Everton will be trying to get their Premier League campaign back on track when they will host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. An intriguing battle is on the cards as both the teams will be pushing for European football next season.
The Toffees lost their last match to a superior Tottenham Hotspur while Crystal Palace inflicted a rare defeat on the Baggies. Tony Pulis’s’ side are unbeaten at Goodison Park in their last 3 visits and would like to maintain their form at the Merseyside club. The last time they visited the Toffees, they emerged as the better team courtesy of a Salomon Rondon goal.
This fixture could prove to be vital in terms of playing in Europe next season. Everton will be desperate to hold on to the 7th spot as European football will give them a huge boost in regard to the project they are undertaking at Goodison Park but the Baggies will try to push them all the way.
Everton’s home form has been very impressive as the Toffees have scored 15 goals in the last match including a 4-0 rout of Manchester City.
On the other hand, the Baggies have been one of the most disciplined defensive sides and have conceded only 34 goals this season but they will have to deal with the threat of Romelu Lukaku. The Merseyside club are sitting in the seventh place with 44 points and a win against the Baggies would enhance their hopes of playing European football next season.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Everton (4-3-2-1)
Yannick Bolasie has been sidelined for the rest of the season while Muhamed Besic’s return date is unknown. Barring these two players, Ronald Koeman has no fresh injury concerns.
Robles; Baines, Williams, Funes-Mori, Coleman; Barry, Gueye, Schneiderlin; Davies, Barkley; Lukaku
West Bromwich Albion (4-1-4-1)
Brendan Galloway won’t be available due to a clause in his current contract which mentions that he cannot play against his parent club Everton as the player is currently on loan. Matt Phillips is nursing a hamstring injury and will miss the match.
Foster; Nyom, McAuley, Evans, Dawson; Fletcher; Livermore, Chadli, McClean, Brunt; Rondon
Key Players
Everton- Romelu Lukaku has been the man in form for the Toffees. The Belgian forward is on the verge of signing a new contract with the club and has been excellent for them this season netting 18 goals.
West Bromwich Albion- Nacer Chadli has been influential since his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur and the onus will be on him to guide his team to three points.
Odds
Everton- 1.66
Draw- 3.80
West Bromwich Albion- 6.00
