Everton are still hunting for their first win of 2024 following Brighton and Hove Albion’s late equaliser last weekend.

Jarrad Branthwaite’s fierce strike seemed like it had secured an elusive three points. However, Lewis Dunk’s looping header secured the 10-man hosts a point.

Sean Dyche must soon put the South Coast heartbreak to rest as West Ham United make the trip to Goodison Park this weekend.

David Moyes’ side have been in uneven form of late. Monday evening’s 4-2 win over Brentford was much-needed. In the three games prior, West Ham had conceded 11 and failed to strike the back of the net once.

Considering the Hammers’ recent play, Everton do have a chance to end their extended wait for three points.

Peter Crouch backs Everton versus West Ham

Dyche will be hoping his side’s defensive record is enough this weekend against a squad that, until Monday’s blowout, had struggled for goals of late.

This assessment is supported by former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch, who believes Everton will be “too strong” for the Hammers on Saturday.

Talking on the Peter Crouch Podcast, he said: “Everton at home, I think they are too strong for West Ham. 2-0 Everton for me.”

Strong belief from Crouch

There is a lot of trust in Crouch’s prediction, considering 2024 has not been Everton’s year to until.

Performances have largely been good for Everton; defensively, very little goes past the likes of Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford.