How Everton Will Line Up Against West Ham

Everton welcome West Ham to Goodison Park on Saturday, desperate for a return to winning ways.

The Toffees have suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time under Roberto Martinez, slipping to their lowest league place (seventh) since the early part of the season.

They face a rejuvenated West Ham on a run of four successive league wins—a run Everton haven't managed since the 2007/08 season.

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Leighton Baines' free-kick salvo inspired a memorable Toffees comeback during September's clash. Everton also won last season's corresponding fixture 2-0 and are unbeaten in 12 games against the Hammers, winning eight.

Team News

During his weekly pre-match press conference, Roberto Martinez broke news of an injury to Phil Jagielka, ruling him out for a couple of weeks:

Antolin Alcaraz is a potential replacement for the defender, and Martinez welcomes back both the Paraguayan and Romelu Lukaku for this game, via Everton's official website:

"

Alcaraz and Lukaku are both fine. Romelu could have made the Chelsea squad and Antolin is working really well.

"

Elsewhere, Lacina Traore joins Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone on the long-term absentee list.

Selection

With that team news considered, here's a look at Martinez's potential starting XI:

Other than a costly late slip, Everton's back five were impeccable against Chelsea and will miss their leader in the heart of defence.

John Stones may edge out Alcaraz as his replacement, with the former Wigan man only just back from injury.

Gareth Barry and James McCarthy were similarly impressive against Chelsea and will remain together in central midfield.

As ever, it's the final four slots that are far less predictable. 

Everton suffered a decline against Chelsea that coincided with several explosive options emerging from the bench. None of Aiden McGeady, Gerard Deulofeu or especially Ross Barkley managed to perform, which will hamper their chances of selection.

Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar seem the more certain starters, leaving Leon Osman fending off the other choices.

However, West Ham are likely to sit back and for that reason, Martinez may fancy starting the raw attacking flair of Deulofeu.

The Barcelona loanee was effective in a similar scenario against Stoke and is capable of distorting the Hammers' well-organised defence. His presence would see Mirallas drift over to a more central berth.

Romelu Lukaku's return is a major boost and, if completely fit, he will lead the line. Steven Naismith did nothing wrong against Chelsea but will step aside for the powerful Belgian.

Key Battles

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As mentioned, West Ham are likely to sit back and compress the space in their own half, practically surrendering the ball up until their defensive third.

For that reason, the presence of Stones or Alcaraz will actually help the Toffees on the ball, although Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan will feel confident of winning their individual battles.

Turnovers must also be capitalised on at pace and, in general, Everton's transitions must be far sharper than was the case against Chelsea. The host's tempo must be quick, and there must be more urgency and an extra degree of adventure in the final third.

Mark Noble is quietly enjoying a consistent season for the Hammers and will go head-to-head with Everton's midfield duo of McCarthy and Barry. The winner of this tussle will determine how quickly the hosts move around.

Elsewhere, if Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman can keep both Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis tracking back, the Hammers will find it hard to create chances. Romelu Lukaku will face a physical battle on his return and must locate his form of late autumn.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 West Ham

Statistics via WhoScored.com

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