Everton V West Ham at Goodison Park - Match Preview




Moyes: It's not about me

David Moyes wants the focus to be turned back on his players ahead of Everton's final home game against West Ham.

It seems a forlorn hope.

The attention has been on Moyes ever since he emerged as the favourite to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and now the switch has been confirmed, the Scot will be centre stage for his final game at Goodison Park.

It is not the way he wants it, though.

With outside hopes of a European place still remaining, and a Premier League finish ahead of Liverpool already confirmed, Moyes feels his players are the one for whom credit is most deserved.

"I would hate to think this is about David Moyes," he said. "It should really be about the Everton players because they have been exceptional.

"I asked them to be as professional as possible, make sure we won the last two games and don't let anything get in the way of what they have done."

Striker Nikica Jelavic could be recalled for the clash.

The Croatian was dropped to the bench for last weekend's goalless Merseyside derby, but Moyes may want to pair Jelavic with Victor Anichebe in a more attacking line-up at home.

Phil Neville is missing with a knee injury, but midfielder Ross Barkley could be recalled to the squad after missing the Anfield game.

Sam Allardyce thinks Moyes will have no trouble keeping the lid on his emotions for the Scot's last home game in charge of Everton.

Moyes was a surprise choice for many given his lack of Champions League experience, and his empty trophy cabinet, but Allardyce, who used to coach Moyes at Preston, has described the Scot as a perfect fit for the Old Trafford club.

Having enjoyed a stable and successful 11 years at Everton, many fans of the Merseryside club will be sad to see Moyes go, but Allardyce thinks the 50-year-old will have no problem focusing his team on trying to secure three points on Sunday afternoon.

Allardyce said: "It will be the last game at home for David as manager so it will be an emotional affair for him, but I'm sure, knowing David as I do, that he will be able to control and calm his emotions and do his very best to get the team to win.

"I don't expect any favours whatsoever and I hope the crowd appreciate what he has done and that they show their appreciation."

Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.

Defensive duo James Tomkins (calf) and George McCartney (knee) are the only absentees for the Hammers.

The Hammers have not beaten Everton in any competition since 2007.

Source: PA

Source: PA