EPL WEEK 10 - Sunday Preview

Everton (6th) v West Ham (16th) @ Goodison Park

Everton will be desperate to snap a 5-match winless run when they take on a resurgent West Ham at Goodison Park on Sunday Afternoon. Ronald Koeman may have shored up the Toffees's defence that was so leaky under Roberto Martinez, however goals have proved harder to come by in recent times. Everton still have a few key injuries with Leighton Baines and James McCarthy both out with hamstring problems. West Ham have sprung to life after a dreadful start to the season, winning their past three Premier League matches.  The side also displayed its quality in mid-week with an emphatic 2-1 win over Chelsea in a game where the scoreline could have been far more in the Hammers favour. Everton held a remarkable 15-game unbeaten run in the Premier League against West Ham (10 victories, 5 draws) before they were beaten 3-2 by the Hammers back at Goodison Park in March. 

Verdict - Everton 1 West Ham 1

West Ham are starting to find their groove and Everton are proving a tough nut to crack so this should be a tight and well matched affair. West Ham has performed admirably on the road of late and with Everton slightly off colour here I think the Hammers can get a draw here. 

Southampton (9th) v Chelsea (5th)  @ St.Mary's Stadium

Chelsea have a stern test of their credentials as their 3-game winning streak goes on the line against a strong Southampton side at St. Mary's Stadium on Sunday. Chelsea had their best Premier League win of the season with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The side seems to have finally found its groove with the switch to Antonio Conte's preferred 3-4-3 formation in recent weeks. The Saints have been in good form of late winning 2 of their last 3 Premier League matches and were very impressive in drawing 1-1 at Manchester City last week. Chelsea won 2-1 last year at Southampton under interim manager Guss Hiddink. 

Verdict - Southampton 2 Chelsea 2

I know Chelsea were impressive last week, however they have been a very brittle side on the road in the last 12 months. The Saints have been impressive against top quality opposition this year, playing well at both Arsenal and Manchester City, and I'm sure they won't be settling for a draw here. Expecting this game to be an open and entertaining affair.