Roberto Martinez will be looking for improved finishing this weekend to boost the Toffees’ chances of finishing in the top half after Danny Graham’s first goal for Sunderland, plus another for Jermaine Defoe, guided the Black Cats to victory over Everton in the last round of fixtures. 

 

In many respects, Roberto Martinez will be ruing his side’s inability to take their chances as they took more than double the number of shots as their opponents. Additionally, they boasted significantly more possession, with experienced midfielder Leon Osman central to this effort. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 39 passes in the opposition half – which was the most in the Toffees squad. Osman is 6/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend. 

 

Seamus Coleman has established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League’s leading full backs, making positive contributions at both ends of the pitch. He has become a key cog in Everton’s attacking armoury and his willingness to attack Sunderland’s defence was evident on Saturday, as he completed five dribbles. This was the second most in the league. 

 

In James McCarthy, Everton have one of the finest defensive midfielders in the league – with the former Wigan man continuously shielding his back four to great effect. This was no different on Saturday, as he won 80% of his challenges.

A goal from Tom Cleverley condemned the Hammers to a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa last time out. They host Everton looking for three points to help secure their place in the top half of the league. 

 

One player who has every right to feel particularly aggrieved at West Ham’s loss is centre back James Collins, who produced an inspired defensive performance to thwart the offensive efforts of his former club. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 24 defensive contributions (based on blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles won). This was more than any other player in the league in the last round of Premier League fixtures. 

 

Time and time again this season, central midfielder Mark Noble has showcased his neat ability to pick a pass. This was no different on Saturday, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 19 passes in the opposition half, which was the second most in the Hammers squad (behind only Stewart Downing). 

 

Cheikhou Kouyate has had a good debut season for the Hammers, performing consistently well throughout the campaign – with Sam Allardyce comparing him favourably to Arsenal great Patrick Viera earlier on this term. There are many positive attributes to his game, one of which is his outstanding work rate. This was on show again on Saturday, as Kouyate completed an impressive 10.8km, which was more than any other player in the West Ham lineup. Kouyate is 13/2 with 888sport.com to score at any time this weekend.