West Ham United have a better idea of the Everton side they will be facing on New Year’s Day.
West Ham cupboard bare? We’ve heard it all before but reality is usually very different
That’s after an update ahead of the game against the Hammers from Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian, who once said back in 2011 that he would like to manage West Ham, has the advantage of a a full week’s rest.
West Ham’s third game in six days at well rested Everton
Meanwhile the Everton match will be West Ham’s third game in just six days.
West Ham have been massively boosted by the return of Michail Antonio.
Even his brief cameo against Southampton showed he is infinitely more effective in West Ham’s setup than the struggling Sebastien Haller.
And while he is unlikely to start at Goodison Park, Antonio will be on the bench with David Moyes looking to get more minutes out of his talisman.
Ancelotti’s team news gives big hint at who West Ham will face
Ancelotti told Everton’s website he is expecting a ‘tough battle’ against a solid and powerful West Ham team.
He also revealed his latest team news with Brazilian forward Richarlison back but James Rodriguez, Allan and Lucas Digne all out of the game (Everton FC).
So that will give Moyes a clear indication of who his side will face come Friday.
Here is the predicted Everton starting XI West Ham will play in the 5.30pm kick-off on New Year’s Day.
Pickford, Godfrey, Keane, Mina, Coleman, Gomes, Doucoure, Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin.
Everton have dominated this fixture over the years with 72 wins to West Ham’s 40 and 31 draws.
Big ask for Hammers but Antonio gives Moyes a boost
West Ham have won just two of the last nine meetings between the sides in all competitions.
And the Hammers were beaten 4-1 in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
It was a harsh scoreline on West Ham who had played well with a second string side until being undone by a deflected goal which made it 2-1 to the Toffees in the second half.
West Ham have made their best start to a season for five years.
They can eclipse the points they amassed in the first 17 games of the Farewell Boleyn campaign with victory at Goodison Park.
Everton have been hailed as potential title contenders given their fine form.
Yet West Ham will go just three points behind the Toffees with a win.