Following on from West Ham’s defeat at home to Newcastle and the criticism faced by Potter, the fundamental decision is the set up which [West Ham’s](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-hams-2026-european-expectations-make-or-break/) head coach will use this afternoon at Goodison Park.
If anything, there is more of a case for setting up in the same 3-5-2 defensively minded deployment when away from home: However I just sense Potter has been stung by the criticism and may adopt for a 3-4-3 approach effectively sacrificing Edson Alvarez and using Paquetá as a number 10 in his place.
Apart from that, no great changes predicted – after all we’re trying to guess Potter’s set-up, not choose our own. So:
West Ham United:
Areola | Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell | Wan Bissaka, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Scarles | Bowen, Paquetá, Kudus
Scores:
Matt. 0 – 2 Everton
Gonzo – too scared to predict so I put him down as a 1-1 MT
Martin 1-1
Full team announced on Claret and Hugh at 13.45
**_As the game is not televised there will be a ‘half time report’, as well as Gonzo’s ‘player ratings’ straight after the match and my ‘three takeaways along with the points’ article after, so please remember to check back later and compare verdicts and high points – if there are any!_**