Football

Allardyce future unclear as Everton visit West Ham

Everton visit West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend for Mori to show off their fitness after coming on at half-time in last week’s match against Southampton.

With the summer transfer window set to open on May 17, the Toffees’ hierarchy have plenty to ponder as the curtain comes down on the current season on Sunday.

Allardyce has insisted he sees no reason why he won’t be in charge of the club next term, but the speculation over his long-term position remains intense and the bookmakers are already taking bets on who will replace him next season.

While the former England manager can claim to have done the job he was asked to do, many supporters are unhappy with his style of football.

Last week’s fortunate 1-1 draw against Southampton led to a large number of fans venting their frustration at Allardyce, although with just four defeats in the last 14 matches the 63-year-old will feel the criticism is unfair.

The latest name linked with replacing Allardyce is outgoing Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, although whether the Frenchman could be persuaded to take over at another Premier League side is hugely debatable, let alone one not playing in Europe.

Whatever the future holds for Everton, Sunday’s game against the Hammers is an ideal opportunity to end the season on a high note. 

Everton’s recent record against West Ham bodes well for their chances this weekend, with the Merseyside outfit losing just one of their last 22 meetings in all competitions. 

Wayne Rooney scored a stunning goal from his own half to complete a hat-trick as Everton thrashed West Ham 4-0 back in November, but he also faces an uncertain future at Goodison Park.

The former England star has been linked with a move to DC United in the MLS and his dream return to the club hasn’t quite worked out as he would have hoped.

Rooney missed Everton’s final home game of the season against Southampton with a calf strain and he is unlikely to be risked against West Ham.

Former Everton boss David Moyes has also had a difficult time of things since taking charge at the London Stadium, although he can finally breathe a sigh of relief having secured Premier League survival last weekend.

West Ham’s 2-0 win at Leicester on Saturday guaranteed their top-flight status for another season and a 0-0 draw midweek against Manchester United was another positive, but whether Moyes remains in charge next term remains to be seen.

With the pressure off on Sunday both sides can approach the game with a degree of freedom, although the feeling remains that Allardyce needs to deliver a stylish performance if he is to have any chance of keeping his job.