This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes Everton will lose the "must-win" game against West Ham United today, as he states in his weekly predictions.

What did he say?

Goodison Park hosts the London side this afternoon with the Toffees in desperate need of a win to save both Marco Silva's future on Merseyside and to get the club out of the relegation zone.

Silva's men have not picked up a single point in the Premier League since they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers almost seven weeks ago. Also, considering West Ham's current form - in which they have lost just once since the opening day - the Blues will be up against it yet again.

Nicholas said for his weekend's predictions: "This is an interesting game. Marco Silva is still there and has a thumbs up from owners. West Ham are a dangerous side, and I expect them to finish in the top half and Everton to finish in the bottom half.

"Their home record has been the reason Silva is still there. The Man City game was a game which was nothing to lose. This is a must-win I think - we don't have the authority or power to say that but it looks like it is getting close," the pundit added.

"Everton fans will think they should beat West Ham, but there is a shrewdness about a Manuel Pellegrini team and they are dangerous up front with Sebastian Haller."

Nicholas believes the game will finish 2-1 to the away side.

Watch Everton Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

A must-win in every sense

The Blues have been disastrous across the pitch this campaign, which has put Silva under immense pressure. After the Burnley defeat, and with Everton on just seven points from eight games, majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri reportedly handed the former Watford boss the next three games to try and save his job. As a result of this ultimatum, Silva simply cannot lose this game, making it a must-win for both the club and for his future on Merseyside. It is fair to say that because of this three-game trial, the Portuguese must take all six points in the league, considering it is Brighton & Hove Albion up next after the Hammers. The other game is the Carabao Cup clash again Watford, which again is all but a must-win as it is a knockout competition and one in which Everton should target for silverware this season. As for the West Ham tie, three points for the Blues could mean they rocket out of the relegation zone, and potentially as high as 11th, should other results go their way. Considering a loss could potentially throw Everton into 19th, should Norwich City beat Bournemouth, it is extremely tough to see how Silva would continue in his role as manager. A must-win in every sense for Silva.