EPL: Everton v West Ham United preview

Everton v West Ham United preview

David Moyes returns to one of his former clubs seeking to pick up his first win as West Ham manager against a struggling Everton side.

The Scot saw his team fight back to take a point on his home debut against Leicester City on Friday night and will hope they can build on that improved showing when they go in search of their first away win of the season.

The Hammers, who still find themselves in the relegation zone, have only won four of their last 23 trips to Goodison Park but have a man in Moyes who knows all about winning on Merseyside having spent 11 years as Toffees manager.

The newly-appointed West Ham chief has indicated he is likely to leave James Collins and Michail Antonio at home due to concerns over their fitness, while Javier Hernandez is not yet ready to return to action.

Marko Arnautovic picked up a knock against Leicester but is expected to shake it off. Jose Fonte and Sam Byran are long-term absentees.

Wednesday's encounter could be the final one in charge for interim boss David Unsworth as Everton seek to appoint former England and Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce.

Unsworth has failed to stop the rot during his time at the helm, the Toffees winning just one of their last 12 matches in all competition, losing 4-1 at Southampton last time out.

Unsworth's cause has now been helped by injuries and he lost two more key men at the weekend, Leighton Baines and Michael Keane limping off at St Mary's.

The defensive duo look set to miss the visit of the Hammers, alongside Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie, Ross Barkley and James McCarthy.

Oumar Niasse will serve the second game of his two-match ban while Mason Holgate will face a late fitness test after returning to training following a groin injury.