Two teams that have been in the middle of the Premier League all year long will square off in NBC’s Game of the Week on Saturday. West Ham United are currently in ninth place, while Everton are in 11th. Both teams are well clear of the relegation zone, and both are looking to finish the year in seventh place. That could give them a spot in Europa League next season, but they competition for that spot is fierce. A win for either team would go a long way toward giving them seventh place.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from London Stadium at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
West Ham United +150
Everton +181
Draw +240
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Everton have had a season of close calls and heartbreaks, but the Blues finally got a win to delight the home crowd two weeks ago. The Toffees were brilliant in a 2-0 win over Chelsea, counterattacking effectively in a fun up and down game. Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson scored the two goals to give Everton the win, and that was fitting since they have been the club’s best players all year. The victory helped wipe away the bitter taste of blowing a 2-0 lead to Newcastle United the week before.
The Hammers won a thriller over Huddersfield Town two weeks ago. In a game where they looked flat much of the way, they looked set to lose to the Terriers. They fell behind 3-1 after a brace from Karlan Grant, and lackluster defending seemed likely to doom them. However, an Angelo Ogbonna goal off of a corner gave them signs of life before super sub Chicharito gave them the win. He scored in the 84th minute and then again in extra time to lead West Ham to the victory.
In the first match between Everton and West Ham, the Hammers scored a 3-1 win. Andriy Yarmolenko netted a brace inside of 30 minutes, and Marko Arnautovic put West Ham up for good after a Sigurdsson goal just before halftime halved the lead.
Key Injuries
Yerry Mina is unlikely to play in this match for Everton due to a strained hamstring. Lucas Digne is questionable with a hamstring problem, while Andre Gomes is questionable because of an unspecified injury. Phil Jagielka looks set to return from a knee injury.
Carlos Sanchez and Andriy Yarmolenko have both been sidelined by season-ending injuries for West Ham. Winston Reid has been ruled out of this one as he attempts to return from knee surgery at some point, and Andy Carroll is out for an undetermined amount of time with an ankle injury. Jack Wilshere is doubtful to play for another couple weeks.
Player to Watch
Richarlison is back in form. After an extended slump, Everton’s top man has scored in each of the Toffee’s last two games, and he is once again a hot commodity. He was acquired for a club record transfer fee over the summer, but it seems unlikely that Everton will be able to keep him given how many big clubs want him. Richarlison can make a lot happen up front.
Prop Bet – Will Both Teams Score? Yes -161
West Ham United have scored in each of their last seven home games, and Everton have proven they can score when they aren’t facing the best clubs in the league. Both teams have opened things up more recently, and I see that trend continuing.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I’ll give West Ham a bit of an edge since they are playing at home, but my favorite bet is the prop bet above.
English Premier League Odds: West Ham United 2, Everton 1
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