It’s been a moving week for the Toffees off the pitch following the passing of chairman Bill Kenwright at the age of 78. Tributes have poured in and it’ll be an emotional day for the club.
And Sean Dyche will know that the best way Everton can remember Kenwright is by delivering a victory in the capital. The Blues boss has been encouraged by the progress his side have made in recent weeks, having won three of their previous four games before last weekend’s Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool.
Yet that was a game riddled with refereeing controversy Everton were on the wrong end of. Things could have been so different had Ibrahima Konate been sent off the Reds after the Toffees had Ashley Young dismissed.
That means that Everton will be without the 38-year-old against West Ham as he serves a one-match ban. Dyche has to weigh up who comes in for Young and whether he makes any other changes to his side. With all that in mind, here’s the Everton team predicted to face the Hammers at the London Stadium.
1. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton, reacts during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park on December 10, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Everton manager Sean Dyche. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
2. GK - Jordan Pickford
Kept three clean sheets and confidence will be high. Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
3. RB - Nathan Patterson
Certain to start with Coleman and Young. Did very well off the bench against Chelsea and will be aiming to grasp his chance.
4. CB - James Tarkowski
The Everton vice-captain has been excellent of late but will not have to adapt with a new partner.