West Ham has been a happy hunting ground for the Toffees over the past few years.
And while the venue has changed, the London Stadium has offered the Hammers little in the way of home comfort.
Michail Antonio, Sam Byram, Mark Noble and Andy Carroll are missing for Saturday’s clash and of course, there’s no Payet threat after a January exit.
Everton need three points to qualify for the Europa League… surely this is the moment.
It’s been grim viewing for the boys in East London, best summed up by Robert Snodgrass replacing that man Dimitri Payet. Imagine that.
Ones to watch – or not
Michail Antonio is of course injured, which comes as a massive bonus as he has found himself as West Ham’s top scorer this season.
Manuel Lanzini has got an eye for a dead ball situation, whether that is aiming in on net or whipping one in for one of the big men in the box.
So please, no silly fouls around the box, Blues.
But onto the Toffeemen.
Confidence should be high in the camp after overcoming a potential banana skin with a very professional 3-1 home victory over Burnley last time out.
On-loan West Ham man Enner Valencia, a big factor in that conquering of Burnley, will be missing this coming Saturday due to obvious reasons. A real shame, great impact off the bench in tight games.
Three points will temporarily elevate Everton above Arsenal and Manchester United into fifth as well as secure European football under the lights of the Grand Old Lady next campaign.
Key man as ever will be Romelu Lukaku, the big man will be playing a part in his tenth game against West Ham in an Everton jersey. Looking for his tenth goal against them in the process.
Time and time again the self proclaimed ‘1966 World Cup Winners’ have no answer for the Premier League’s top scorer. And I don’t expect that to stop this weekend.
Victory would only be Everton’s second away from Goodison Park this calendar year.
A record desperate of improvement.
Here’s hoping come 5 o’clock Saturday the boys in the Royal Blue have got the job done and the three points are traveling back up north.
Up the Toffees.