West Bromwich Albion were left shocked by a resilient Crystal Palace side in the last game as two second half goals brought down an in-form Baggies side, who had collected 11 points from their last five games and looked set to challenge Everton for the Europa League spot.
West Bromwich visit Everton next knowing fully well that even a win can’t bring them above the Toffees on Saturday. Everton sit just above them with a four-point lead now, which the Baggies could have closed down had it not been for the defeat last game. After losing to Tottenham Hotspur last game, Everton would like to get back to winning ways and keep the momentum going at the top half.
And their home form has been quite encouraging, where they have collected 28 points from 13 games. Ronald Koeman’s men will undoubtedly be the favourites to get the three points although Tony Pulis’ close-knit defending is definitely capable of causing an upset.
Strongest West Bromwich Albion XI vs Everton
Defence
Ben Foster is expected to keep his position under the bar. The English keeper has started almost all the games for the Baggies this season conceding 34 goals in 27 games. The 33-year-old has been one of their best players so far and he would like to have a decent game after the disaster last week.
Allan Nyom is expected to start in the left back position. The Cameroon international couldn’t help much in the last game and was taken off early in the final quarter of the game to give way to Robson-Kanu. The other flank should be taken by Craig Dawson, who had problems keeping Wilfred Zaha under control last game. He will have a tougher job marking the likes of Kevin Mirallas surely.
The central defensive duo of Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley should get a nod again in the backline. Evans’ experience could come in real handy in such big games.
Midfield
Pulis opted for an attacking setup last time with only one holding midfielder in Darren Fletcher. We expect him to play safe with two pivots now. We expect Jake Livermore to partner Fletcher in the central midfield as it provides an extra cushion when coming up against the likes of Ross Barkley and Morgan Schneiderlin.
Nacer Chadli could get a creative role this time in the number 10 position.
Attack
Robson-Kanu could get a nod for the left wing’s role as the role would also demand to cover for Nyom as Seamus Coleman would be playing on that flank. Chis Brunt should continue to take his role on the right. Rondon will have a huge job of getting the all-important goal by exploiting the Everton defence which has been inconsistent of late.
