Two rather inconsistent sides will meet at the weekend when West Ham United host Everton at the London Stadium as the Premier League action returns following the international break.
With the two teams meeting, however, some of the league’s best goalkeepers are set to be involved in the game and could play major roles in the outcome of the fixture.
Lukasz Fabianski and Jordan Pickford will be looking to help their sides to close the gap between them and the race for seventh position, however, which shot-stopper would come out the best in a battle between the two? Let’s find out below…
Lukasz Fabianski
The Poland international has been nothing short of amazing during his time at the London Stadium and has made his £7.2million transfer fee from Swansea City in the summer look to be a bargain buy.
The 33-year-old appears to have solved the goalkeeping concerns that they have had in recent memory, with the likes of Joe Hart and Adrian both having struggled in the past, and has been able to help the Irons to win a number of points.
Fabianski’s contributions to the team have already earned him a status of being a fan favourite at the Hammers as many of the faithful have called for him to win their prestigious Hammer of the Year award for his performances.
However, the Polish shot-stopper is approaching the later years of his career and although it is money that has been well spent by West Ham, there will be concerns about how long he will be able to remain at the top of his game and continue to help the Irons improve in the Premier League.
TT Grade: B+ Jordan Pickford
Pickford, who is valued at £36 million (by Transfermarkt), appears to be just one of the recent transfers that Everton have made in the past few months to have passed the grade. Having paid an initial £25m for the England international has largely looked to be good business for the Toffees.
The 24-year-old is an excellent No.1 who typically plays in a sweeper-keeper type mould and is very quick off his line and out of his penalty area to make crucial clearances.
As Fabianski has with West Ham, Pickford has helped to win Everton points at times with his performances, with his display against Chelsea recently helping them to secure a much-needed but impressive three points.
However, for the praise that the England international has earned, it would be fair to say that his performances do also attract criticism at times and is something that he can work on, with the odd costly error being made on occasion.
TT Grade: B The Verdict:
West Ham and Everton both definitely have some of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers at the moment and both will definitely be important in determining the outcome of Saturday’s match.
Both men have arguably been one of their respective club’s best transfer additions in recent windows and have both been crucial to where the teams currently find themselves in the top-flight.
However, Pickford could learn a thing or two from Fabianski moving forward, as the Poland international may not have had the best start in the Premier League with Arsenal, but he has since turned out to be brilliant ‘keeper for both Swansea City and West Ham.
For that reason, Fabianski wins this battle.
West Ham and Everton fans, what are your thoughts on the battle between these two? Who would come out on top for you and why? Join in with the discussion below by sharing your thoughts with us below.
