West Ham United host Everton in the Premier League this afternoon in what proves to be a crucial contest at both ends of the table.
However, the Hammers’ fortunes could be boosted by the return of their top scorer Jarrod Bowen ahead of the Toffees’ visit to East London.
What’s the latest?
According to West Ham manager David Moyes, Bowen could be in contention for a return to the Scotsman’s squad as they take on Frank Lampard’s side at the London Stadium. Right-back Vladimir Coufal could also be available after a hernia issue.
Ahead of the clash, the 58-year-old said: “A chance that both could make it. Both did a bit of training over the international break so a chance both can be there. I’m not quite sure they are match ready yet. That’s my only concern.”
Bowen has been absent for a month since limping off against Liverpool in early March with scans later revealing a fractured bone in the winger’s foot.
On the chalkboard
Although there’s no guarantee that he will be ready for the matchday squad, the idea that Bowen could be in contention today and is close to returning to action ahead of a hectic run-in will be music to the ears of Hammers supporters.
The Englishman has arguably been the Irons’ player of the season, particularly this side of the turn of the year, with the wide man in electric form prior to his setback and currently sits at the top of the scoring charts ahead of Michail Antonio.
The 25-year-old has netted 12 goals and registered 11 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions thus far, a goal contribution every 1.7 games. Moreover, seven of those goals have come in 2022.
Moreover, the former Hull City man ranks top for successful dribbles per game in the West Ham squad with 1.6 per league game and joint-second for key passes with 1.3.
Granted, without the Englishman the East London outfit have been able to manage, with the Hammers progressing to the Europa League quarter-finals with an aggregate victory over Sevilla whilst also beating Aston Villa in the Premier League.
As well as that, wide man Andriy Yarmolenko has come off of the bench twice to score decisive goals whilst winger Said Benrahma netted in the 3-1 defeat to Tottenham last time out whilst attacking midfielder Pablo Fornals was on the score sheet against Aston Villa whilst Bowen was on the sidelines.
Over the course of the season though, Bowen has three more goals than Benrahma whilst scoring double that of Fornals and Manuel Lanzini.
Moreover, the Algerian’s effort against Spurs was the 26-year-old’s first in the league since 28 December, suggesting that if Bowen is fit to start he could be the man to make way.
In fact, the wide man was likened earlier this season by former Hammers coach Stuart Pearce to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, saying: “The comparison between him and Mo Salah, we have looked at the way Salah stands the defender up and stops and then goes again or uses the defender to curl the ball around into the far corner.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Moyes’ side have temporarily dropped out of the European places after yesterday’s results in the top flight, making today’s clash with relegation-battling Everton particularly crucial.
Furthermore, the Irons now have eight league matches as well as at least two Europa League clashes against French side Lyon before the end of May, with the battle for European qualification seriously hotting up as we approach the back end of the season.
Therefore, the return of such a crucial player in Bowen will be incredibly welcome.
In other news: Moyes axes £43k-p/w dud and unleashes “fantastic” talent: West Ham predicted XI