West Bromwich Albion vs Everton - Competition: 2013/2014 English Premier League, Round 22Match date: 20 January 2014
Pepe Mel makes his first official appearance Monday with the visit of
5th place Everton. Mel has much to correct in a side that is capable of a
mid-table finish but also very much in danger of the relegation zone at
just 3 points above after 21 rounds of league play. Temporary caretaker
Keith Downing did a fine job in his stead as manager, earning a win, 3
draws, and last weekend's hard-fought loss to Southampton. So excuses
for form will be few and far between for the new manager who is without
long-time striker Shane Long (to Hull). However, the Baggies have
achieved just a single victory in their last 12 matches in all
competitions, and the visit from Everton isn't the doctor's prescription
for that particular ailment. Furthermore, West Brom have won just 3 of
their 10 home matches. But history plays ally here for the hosts
(against Everton), as they've won 4 of the last 6 meetings at the
Hawthorns, all 4 victories coming in the way of shut outs. But a new
manager always offers new shape/style, so a West Brom backing here is
quite risky. It is important to note that West Brom average just 1.2
goals per game at home this campaign.
- Probable lineups West Bromwich: Foster – Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell – Yacob, Mulumbu – Morisson, Sessegnon, Brunt – Long.
Everton team keep on chugging,
and currently sit in 5th place of the Premier League with a chance to
jump their local rivals Liverpool for 4th (after Saturday's 2-2 draw
with Aston Villa). The Toffees have stepped up in class this year with
the loan arrival of Lukaku and have offered their desires to sign the
Belgian on permanently. Whether this works for the club or not, it hands
the young striker a confidence boost from the staff and board alike,
perhaps inciting a spirited display this Monday. The fact remains that
both teams have drawn more than anyone else this term, and West Brom
drew at Goodison Park earlier this campaign, but after seeing the door
opened for 4th place this weekend, expect Everton to take the outright
victory. The Toffee defenders have scored as many goals as the West Brom
strikers have managed all year.
- Probable lineups Everton: Howard – Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines –Barry, McCarthy – Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar – Lukaku.
Kick Off Time: 20:00 GMT - 21:00 CET
Venue: The Hawthorns - West Bromwich, England
Venue: The Hawthorns - West Bromwich, England
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