Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Everton vs West Ham United
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-30 03:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Since August this year, Everton has been playing their home matches at their new stadium, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, achieving a record of two wins and one draw in their three home games so far. Taking the last home league match, a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, as an example, Everton managed 20 shot attempts, demonstrating their strong home momentum. The slight regret is that the forwards’ finishing was lacking, preventing the team from scoring. Looking at seasonal statistics, Everton’s average possession rate is only 44%, ranking 15th in the league; their average pass success rate is only 78%, ranking 19th in the league; however, they average 21.4 successful aerial duels per game, ranking first in the league, and average eight successful dribbles per game, ranking third in the league. This shows that Everton adheres to a strategy of defensive counter-attacks and wing play, using aerial threats to challenge the opponent’s defense whenever opportunities arise. The team has two tall strikers: the 1.94m Beto and the 1.95m Thierno Barry. In crucial moments, Everton can even deploy a dual-target-man tactic.
West Ham United’s performance this season has been very poor, with only one win and four losses in the league, and they have already been eliminated from the EFL Cup. The club’s management was dissatisfied with the team’s performance and announced a coaching change this Saturday: Graham Potter and his coaching staff have been dismissed, and Nuno Espirito Santo, recently let go by Nottingham Forest, has taken over. West Ham United’s tactics are now facing a overhaul. Nuno has always emphasized defense and counter-attacks, advocating for solid defensive organization to ensure stability at the back, followed by quick and sharp counter-attacks to score. This style might not produce flashy football, but it is the most effective way for mid-to-lower table Premier League teams to earn points. Statistically, West Ham United averages only 7.2 tackles per game, ranking second-to-last in the league, and averages six interceptions per game, ranking 15th in the league – their defensive quality leaves much to be desired. This means the players have just two days to readjust to the new manager’s defensive and counter-attacking tempo.
David Moyes returned to manage Everton in January this year, had a full summer preparation period, and spent 130 million euros in the transfer market to strengthen the squad, making the overall team stronger than last season. Furthermore, Everton is playing at their new home ground, and many visiting teams are experiencing it for the first time, potentially struggling to adapt to the new stadium’s environment. West Ham United has just changed managers, and their tactical system might not be fully implemented, likely leading to an increase in passing mistakes from the players. It is believed that Everton will not miss this opportunity to secure all three points.
Everton’s Last 5 Games: LLDWW
25-09-24 Wolves 2-0 Everton
25-09-20 Liverpool 2-1 Everton
25-09-13 Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
25-08-30 Wolves 2-3 Everton
25-08-28 Everton 2-0 Mansfield Town
West Ham United’s Last 5 Games: LLWLL
25-09-20 West Ham United 1-2 Crystal Palace
25-09-14 West Ham United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur
25-08-31 Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham United
25-08-27 Wolves 3-2 West Ham United
25-08-23 West Ham United 1-5 Chelsea
Head-To-Head Record
25-07-31 West Ham United 2-1 Everton
25-03-15 Everton 1-1 West Ham United
24-11-09 West Ham United 0-0 Everton
24-03-02 Everton 1-3 West Ham United
23-10-29 West Ham United 0-1 Everton
Prediction: Everton to win