West Ham v Everton: Match Preview | Toffees need to bounce back from derby pain

It is a relief for Everton fans to watch the relegation battle from a distance after years of struggle, but they can certainly empathise with West Ham supporters as their club hovers menacingly above the drop zone. The Hammers are just two points ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham as they look to avoid a first relegation since 2011. With Leeds and Nottingham Forest virtually safe on 40 and 39 points respectively, it looks like a straight shootout between West Ham and Spurs for the final relegation spot. Saturday feels like a pivotal day in that battle, with Tottenham away to Wolves in a game they probably have to win if they are to avoid one of the biggest relegations of recent times, with Aston Villa, Leeds Chelsea and Everton to follow. West Ham will be eyeing this game up too, as they travel to Brentford and then host Arsenal in their next two. Basically, this game is huge for both sides and could have ramifications at each end of the table. Nuno Espirito Santo, whose first game after replacing the sacked Graham Potters was against Everton in September, has made his side tough to beat at home. They are unbeaten in eight in all competitions at the London Stadium since a 2-1 defeat against Forest in early January that left them seven points from safety and seemingly destined for the drop. However, only two of those have been wins (with three FA Cup draws going to extra time), meaning they still have plenty to do if they are to stay above the dotted line.