Everton v West Ham preview

Toffees charge for European place

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 21st March 2008

David Moyes

Moyes: Injury concerns

Skysports.com prediction: Everton 1 West Ham 0

Sky Bet odds: Everton 8/11 Draw 9/4 West Ham 10/3

One to watch: Yakubu

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Everton are looking for a return to winning ways against West Ham as they seek to close in on city rivals Liverpool for fourth spot.

The Toffees saw a run of four successive league wins brought to an end at Fulham on Sunday, a setback in their bid to beat the Reds for the final UEFA Champions League spot.

They face West Ham at Goodison Park on Saturday evening head of Liverpool's trip to Manchester United on Grand Slam Sunday and if they beat the Hammers and United are successful against Liverpool at Old Trafford the gap between the two sides will be down to goal difference.

The two sides then go head-to-head next weekend in what will be the most important Merseyside derby in years.

Worries

Everton boss David Moyes has several injury worries to contend with.

Andy Johnson is almost certainly out of the game with the groin injury which forced him off at Fulham last weekend.

But Victor Anichebe's hip injury has improved and he could well be in the squad. Midfielder Tim Cahill (hip) remains a major doubt, but Manuel Fernandes has overcome a groin problem and could figure.

Thomas Gravesen has a knee injury which will keep him out. Jack Rodwell, 17, is likely to be in the squad after signing his first professional contract this week.

Everton will be looking for their third win of the season against the east Londoners, having knocked them out of the Carling Cup and also won in the league at Upton Park.

Progress

West Ham beat Blackburn last weekend with a debut goal from youngster Freddie Sears to get their season back on track following three successive 4-0 defeats.

Alan Curbishley takes his men up to Everton on Saturday knowing another determined performance will be needed to ensure continued progress as they sit in 10th place in the Premier League.

Defender Jonathan Spector is set to make a dash back from international duty with the United States' U23 Olympics side to join the rest of the squad on Merseyside.

The Hammers also hope England defender Matthew Upson can shake off a niggling calf problem.

Midfielder Luis Boa Morte is available again following suspension, but striker Bobby Zamora is struggling to overcome painful blisters and Carlton Cole (dead leg) is also a concern.

Julien Faubert, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Craig Bellamy are all continuing their rehabilitation, but will not yet be back in first-team contention.