Preview - Everton

Manuel Lanzini in action against Everton

When and where?

West Ham United v Everton
Premier League
Saturday 22 April 2017, 3pm BST
London Stadium

What’s the story?

The Hammers are in Saturday 3pm action at London Stadium for the final time in the 2016/17 season when they welcome Everton to east London.

With the closing stretch of the campaign in full swing, Slaven Bilic’s men will be hoping to build on a run of four points from their last two outings.

The victory over Swansea City and the draw at Sunderland followed a run of five consecutive defeats and lifted the Hammers nine points clear of the relegation zone.

With just three points separating them from Watford in tenth, West Ham eyes are still on a top half finish, and victory over the Toffees would be a significant step in that direction.

Everton, of course, enjoy a terrific record against West Ham, having not lost in east London in the Premier League since 2007 and only once at home over that same timeframe.

The Toffees have had a resurgence under the management of Ronald Koeman this season, and currently lie seventh in the Premier League table.

One more win will guarantee them European football next season, and with seven points separating them from Manchester City in fourth, they still have an outside sniff of UEFA Champions League qualification.

At home, they have been nearly unstoppable, taking 40 of their 57 points to date on their own turf. That will give West Ham optimism, with the Toffees having won just four times away from home this term.

Their last victory on the road came in January when they saw off Crystal Palace by the only goal, but Romelu Lukaku has been in tremendous form and the Hammers will have to be wary of his threat – not that they need reminding of his record against them.

Team news

Andy Carroll in action against Sunderland

West Ham will have to do without Andy Carroll for the visit of Everton on Saturday as the striker suffered an abductor injury in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland last week.

Diafra Sakho could be back after missing out at the Stadium of Light, but Sam Byram is banned after being sent-off late on in that game and Mark Noble serves the second of his two-match ban.

Winston Reid has returned to training after a month out injured and is available for selection, although Michail Antonio (hamstring), Angelo Ogbonna (knee) and Pedro Obiang (ankle) are out.

For the Toffees, Hammers loanee Enner Valencia is ineligible to face his parent side, while James McCarthy continues to struggle with a hamstring problem.

Muhamed Besic is working his way back from a serious knee injury, while Ramiro Funes Mori (knee), Yannick Bolasie (knee), Seamus Coleman (broken leg) and Aaron Lennon are all missing.

How do I get to the game?

There are no planned disruptions to London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway or TfL Rail services which call at Stratford and Hackney Wick on Saturday. Click here for the latest news on these networks.

Greater Anglia services running into Liverpool Street are also scheduled to operate as planned. Click here for up-to-the-minute news on National Rail.

Our Matchday Guide contains all the information you need to make the most of matchday at London Stadium. Click here to access it.

How can I watch the game?

This match is not being broadcast live in the UK. However, if you live overseas you may be able to tune in. Check our widget below for coverage details in your territory.

You can follow all the action live as it happens on whufc.com, with free audio commentary, social media updates, in-running stats, photos and more.  Get involved in the conversation on social using #WHUEVE