West Ham – Everton

FA Cup third round replay between West Ham and Everton, after West Ham earned a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Today`s hosts were on the brink of victory, but Lukaku scored a late goal to give Everton another chance.

West Ham is having the best season in a very long time, even though the recent weeks haven`t been as successful – 3 draws and 2 losses in all competitions, with the last three matches finishing undecided. However, these stats are a bit misleading – West Ham met Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton, played 3 of the 5 matches on the road and still only lost twice in 5 games – not bad, really. Last time out it was a 1-1 draw at Swansea over the weekend, a good result. West Ham will feel they have a chance to get back to winning ways today considering the fact that they are playing well, and also looking at how the previous match between the two sides unfolded.

Everton was very lucky to escape with that 1-1 draw at home against West Ham – not only did they equalize in the 91st minute, but they should have lost that match by miles, as West Ham was by far the better team. Everton has been underachieving all season but has played particularly poor football lately, with 2 draws and 4 losses in the last 6 matches against the likes of Hull, Stoke and Newcastle – unlike West Ham`s case, here the stats are accurately representing Everton’s situation. They did play a solid match over the weekend however, holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at Goodisson Park.

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Team news & lineups:

No changes are expected in the lineups, both sides want to qualify in the competition. Sakho and Kouyate are out for West Ham and Song is doubtful, but he should play. Everton is without McCarthy, Howard, Distin, Osman, Hibbert, Pienaar and Gibson, but the Toffees have no new injuries or suspensions.

West Ham: Adrian – Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Collins – Amalfitano, Noble, Nolan, Downing – Carroll, Valencia

Everton: Joel – Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Baines – Besic, Barry, Barkley – Naismith, Lukaku, Mirallas

Considering how Everton was outplayed at home by West Ham, I can’t see them getting a result on the road – not in the kind of form they are in, not with all the absences they have. West Ham is playing at a different level right now, they are showing some great football and will be eager to get the qualification and also end an undeserved 5 match winless streak. The hosts played very well at home this season so I expect them to get the win here.

My tip is West Ham to qualify so I`m going a bit on the safe side just in case there will be extra time, though I don`t think it will be the case. I trust the hosts enough to go with high stakes here. Prediction: West Ham United – Everton 2-0.

Pick: West Ham to qualify
Odds: 1.67 @ Betsson
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 6.03
Event date: 13 January