West Ham v Everton preview: Team news, line-ups, prediction
West Ham’s pre-season preparations in America continue when they take on Everton in Chicago.
The Hammers’ first game in the Premier League Summer Series tournament came in the early hours of Sunday morning (27 July) against Manchester United in a 2-1 defeat for Graham Potter’s men.
Their next fixture against Everton is set to take place late on Wednesday night (30 July), as West Ham’s preparations for the new campaign continue.
Below, West Ham Zone explores the latest team news for the game and predicts the result.
Team News
Nicolas Fullkrug will be expected to lead the line once again, with the German hoping to enjoy a better second season in East London.
Andy Irving could get a start in midfield in place of Guido Rodriguez, who was in the initial XI that took on Manchester United.
West Ham’s talisman Jarrod Bowen is set to continue his preparations for the new season, with it being crucial for Potter that his star player hits the ground running.
Lucas Paqueta could also be in line to return to the lineup despite the uncertainty around the Brazilian’s future for the East London outfit.
New arrival Kyle Walker-Peters could make an appearance off the bench for the Irons after the 28-year-old was an unused substitute in the last fixture.
Despite the search for a new goalkeeper currently ongoing, Alphonse Areola may keep his position in between the sticks against Everton.
Predicted lineup
Paqueta, Bowen and new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf could all play behind Fullkrug to supply the German striker with quality balls into the box.
Irving may be partnered by James Ward-Prowse at the base of midfield.
The defence protecting Areola’s goal could consist of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo and youngster Oliver Scarles.
Prediction: West Ham 1-0 Everton
This will be a good test for Potter’s side as Everton will likely be a direct rival of the Hammers next season, with both clubs looking to climb the table.
With the imminent arrival of Callum Wilson, Fullkrug will be eager to prove to Potter that he should be the starting striker in E20 next campaign.
This determination to impress will see Fullkrug head home after a lovely whipped ball in from Diouf leaves the Toffees’ defence bamboozled.
Sign up for the West Ham News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.