Everton v West Brom

Less than a month since a disappointing Everton outfit left the Hawthorns after a dismal goalless draw the two sides face off again.

Everton are on a on a four-game losing streak, whereas Alan Pardew’s West Brom side are on the up… two wins on the bounce for the Baggies.
Firstly they ended any Exeter giant killing dreams in the FA Cup before a comfortable 2-0 win over Huddersfield last time out.

The Toffees are yet to muster a single shot on target in the Premier League in 2018, a damning stat that is crying out for improvement if the Blues are to pick up a much needed three points at Goodison on Saturday afternoon.

A series of poor results have seen West Brom trickle down the table and they are now sitting in 19th, facing a serious battle to maintain their top division status.

A good omen is that West Brom are one of only two clubs to be in possession of a worse away league record than the Blues, picking up a measly six points (not much better than Everton’s eight) in 11 fixtures away from home.

The visitors’ strongpoint –

Dead balls. The Baggies are synonymous with causing havoc from set pieces.

Jonny Evans and Craig Dawson, two defenders, managed to find the net in that 2-0 victory over Huddersfield. A team full of six foot plus players makes it imperative that Everton defend well from set pieces.

Team news –

Theo Walcott trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday and could be in line to make his Everton debut. A severe lack of game time this campaign could decide how long the new £20 million man gets.

Michael Keane is fit and ready to fight for his place after an injury layoff. Seamus Coleman is back in training but this one comes too soon for the Republic of Ireland skipper.

Nacer Chadli is still out for the Baggies but James Morrison could make a return after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. There may also be a Goodison return for Gareth Barry.

Man in the middle –

Stuart Attwell will officiate this one, the first time he’s taken charge of an Everton game this term. He’s refereed 16 clashes in 2017/18 and produced 53 yellow cards and dismissed one player.

Three points won’t see any movement for the home side but with only seven points separating the Blues from the drop zone it’ll provide much needed breathing space.

On the other hand, three points to the visitors could see them out of the relegation places depending on results elsewhere.

Up the Toffees.