Everton vs. West Ham: Match Preview

Goodison Park will be loud and rocking for West Ham United's come Sunday, as the Everton faithful will bid a fond farewell to one of the greats of recent times. Titles be damned, David Moyes led Everton through a very dark time and leaves the club poised at a very momentous edge, depending on what chairman Bill Kenwright does next of course.

As for the game itself, there's precious little for either team to play for. Everton have just about sealed sixth place and only need a couple of points to guarantee a second consecutive finish above cross-city rivals Liverpool, for the first time since 1937. Ridiculous really, considering some of the great Everton sides we've seen line up at Goodison Park, but a testament to Moyes' ability nonetheless.

For West Ham, Sam Allardyce has done a memorable job in his two seasons in charge, bringing the Hammers straight up to the Premier League and then keeping their noses clean of the relegation dogfight with a solid tenth place showing. Indeed, with some better performances away from home, Big Sam's boys could have been challenging Liverpool!

Team News -

Club captain Phil Neville is out with a knee injury. Ross Barkley missed the Merseyside derby last weekend, but should be in the squad this weekend.

Defenders James Tomkins and George McCartney will both miss the game with injuries.

Keys To The Game -

Moyes has attempted to deflect some of the attention off his departure by asking his players to retain a professional demeanor in his last home game. Expect Nikica Jelavic to line up alongside Victor Anichebe upfront in a more attacking formation as Moyes will attempt to go out with a bang.

The Hammers will have little motivation for this game except playing spoiler for the home side's celebrations. They have been in good form lately, with just one loss in their last seven games.

Match Facts -

• Tomorrow will mark David Moyes' 426th game as Everton manager.
• Everton have only lost once at home all season, a loss to Chelsea in December.
• West Ham have won away only once in their last thirteen games.
• The Hammers record of eleven away goals this season is the lowest in the League.