The 3 key battles as Everton host West Brom in the Premier League

Idrissa Gueye vs Jake Livermore

As is often the case in the Premier League matches, the battle of midfield supremacy has a huge bearing on which side goes on to win the match.

And Saturday looks set to be no different.

In Idrissa Gueye, Koeman has a midfielder who has made more tackles than anyone else in the league this season, including Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, and is arguably one of the best at breaking up play and thwarting opposition attacks.

The Senegalese international has started Everton’s last three league games since his return from the African Cup of Nations, which underlines his importance to Koeman’s side as the Dutchman has got the likes of James McCarthy, Gareth Barry, and Morgan Schneiderlin at his disposal.

However, Gueye will have to be near his best on Saturday to get the better of Jake Livermore, who has made a solid start to life at the Hawthorns following his £10 million move from Hull in January.

The Englishman has started their last four Premier League games, and produced a man-of-the-match display to help Pulis’ men get the better of Stoke 1-0 on February 4.

The 27-year-old is strong and marshals the Baggies back four well, yet he will come under a lot of pressure from Gueye on Saturday, so his ability to distribute the ball quickly and keep things moving will be key to West Brom’s chances at Goodison Park.