West Brom vs Everton: Preview & Prediction

This Saturday sees the Baggies looking to build upon their positive first result of the season by hosting an Everton side with lofty ambitions to attack the European spaces.

Tony Pulis’ men will approach the game with confidence after an industrious 1-0 away win at Selhurst Park, which saw Solomon Rondon open his account for the season with a glancing header from a near post set-piece against Crystal Palace.

The Toffees come to the Hawthorns looking for their first win of the season after their 1-1 draw with their fellow Champions League rivals Tottenham.

The addition of Idrissa Gueye from Aston Villa this season has already turned some heads due to his impressive debut last week at Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman will be hoping to see an improvement in his side’s intensity and urgency when not in possession in order to stop the service into West Brom’s notable forward threats.

Due to the solidity of both teams, Saturday’s fixture is looking like it will be a tight affair, with both managers placing strong emphasis on defensive shape and organisation.

This might be a game in which we will see defences on top for both sides.

Everton’s Gueye was signed from Championship outfit Aston Villa earlier this summer – Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

Team News:

Chris Brunt is the only obvious absence from Pulis’ side after a knee injury has kept him out since March.

It remains to be seen whether Ashley Williams is fully fit to face the Baggies, while Romelu Lukaku will be hoping to make his first appearance of the season after missing out due to a head injury last week.

Seamus Coleman is out for several weeks with an ankle problem, as well as Muhamed Besic who was forced off in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial game – he looks to be out for around six months.

League Positions: West Brom – 4th (3pts); Everton – 5th (1pt)
Last Meeting: Everton 0-1 West Brom (February 13, 2016)
League Form: West Brom – WDDLD; Everton – WLLWD
Key Men: West Brom – Solomon Rondon; Everton – Idrissa Gueye
Shoot Says: West Brom 1-0 Everton