PREMIER LEAGUE: GOODISON PARK, SUNDAY APRIL 4, 2010. KICK-OFF: 1600 BST
EVERTON:
Manager David Moyes is remaining wary of West Ham United despite their recent woeful run.
Hammers' manager Gianfranco Zola admits he has been contemplating his future at Upton Park after the club's sixth straight loss to Stoke City last weekend left them on the brink of dropping into the relegation zone.
Moyes is renowned as a manager who defends others in the same business as himself and he does not want Zola to go anywhere in a hurry.
But equally, he knows his Everton side need a win if they are to keep their chances of qualifying for Europe alive. He said: "I hope that Gianfranco would see the season through and then decide what he thinks. I don't know his business or West Ham's business but I hope he sees the season through."
Moyes knows the Hammers are desperate for three points to help them in their bid to avoid relegation but Everton are unbeaten at home since January and Moyes is hoping that impressive run can continue.
He added: "They'll be a threat because they're fighting for survival in the Premier League. They are in a position they would rather not be in. They will be wounded. The defeats they have had will be tough on them. We have to show them no sympathy and get on and do our job.
"I am focusing on how well we have been playing. We have to get a more clinical cutting edge to the team, which was missing last week. I want us to finish the season high. We've got good home form - I want to keep that going, and I want to try and pick up another three points.
"I think we have to win the game if we have any hopes of pipping one of the teams above us. We can't drop many points in the run-in."
Strategy: Keep pushing for Europe. Everton now that time is running out if they want to push on for fifth spot and a chance to play in the Europa League next season. As a result, they have to go for broke against the Hammers. A draw is no good to them now, so Moyes should play Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe up front together as well as Tim Cahill just behind them as a supporting striker. Jack Rodwell, Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman should all pour forward as often as possible as well to try and score the goals that will keep Everton's slender Europe dreams alive.
Injury Update: Mikel Arteta has a groin problem and may miss the encounter, while Marouane Fellaini is out for the season with ankle ligament damage and Dan Gosling is also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments.
WEST HAM UNITED:
With only goal difference separating you from a position in the bottom three and all of the last six games having been lost, the one club you wouldn't want to go to is in-form Everton.
However, the Italian seems to be relishing the challenge, although he appeared to be on the brink of quitting after last week's home loss to Stoke, but had a change of mind after spending time back in his native Sardinia.
"I don't like to leave things behind me that are unfinished," he explained. "I believe that here there is still something to be done and I can play a big part in it.
"I never wanted to leave to be honest. The Sunday was really tough for me because the players were feeling so down. It was very emotional but it didn't last long. Sardinia can do miracles. I relaxed and ate - a lot. It was one of the toughest days but I have had worse, trust me."
The Stoke loss had been compounded by news that Hull won to move level on points and Upton Park owners David Sullivan and David Gold were annoyed that Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson rested five regulars so they would be fresh for Europa League action on Thursday night.
The Hammers lodged an official complaint with the Premier League but Zola gave his personal backing to Hodgson instead.
"I have no doubts that Roy Hodgson was doing the best for his team," he said. "He is a person I respect for his loyalty and I have no complaints with that. He decided to do that and I'm sure he has done what is right for the club. Plus, from what I read in the reports, Fulham weren't that bad, so I have no problem."
Strategy: A lack of goals has been the Hammers' problem in recent weeks, with only three having been netted in those six losing games. Carlton Cole is the man most likely to change that but Zola must decide whether to persist with playing a second striker alongside him as January recruits Benni McCarthy, Mido and Ilan have contributed just one between them.
Central defence is his other problem area as both James Tomkins and Manuel da Costa have been error-prone alongside Matthew Upson in recent weeks. But at least Zola has no worries as far as the goalkeeper is concerned. England's Robert Green has been in fine form, and has had to be on many occasions.
Zola indicated he might try a softly softly approach at a ground where they play the theme from Z Cars before kick-off. "It is going to be a tight game, especially at the beginning," he predicted. "Obviously we will be trying to defend well because they are in good form. I see us playing a good game. We have prepared very well so I'm positive about that. I'm expecting we will defend well and be effective on the counter-attack, maybe nicking one or two goals on the break."
Injury Update: Midfielder Jack Collison (knee) is closing in on a comeback, as is defender Herita Ilunga (knee). Midfielder Kieron Dyer is a doubt after he came off at half-time against Stoke while striker Guillermo Franco has been sidelined by an Achilles injury.
