Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton are on a two-game winning streak and two points off of the top four. Champions League qualification is a possibility for the Toffees, but they need to pick up what should be “easy” points versus West Brom.
West Brom head into the midweek round of fixtures in 19th place. The Baggies are nine points off of Premier League survival. That is just three wins in the Premier League but it feels far bigger.
#WBAEVE up next.Which of these five Hawthorns moments against Everton is your favourite? 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hxGdgZvbcm— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) March 3, 2021
#WBAEVE up next.Which of these five Hawthorns moments against Everton is your favourite? 🎯 pic.twitter.com/hxGdgZvbcm
Manager Sam Allardyce’s team are unbeaten in three straight league matches with two draws and a victory. On matchday 26, West Brom won a six-point affair versus Brighton, 1-0.
Everton thrashed West Brom when the teams met earlier this season. The reverse fixture finished 5-2 in favour of Everton as they came from a goal down to win. West Brom’s Grady Diagana opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez scored twice from there and West Brom’s Keiran Gibbs was sent off in the 45th minute. A West Brom goal from Matheus Pereira levelled the game, but Calvert-Lewin scored twice more and Michael Keane added one of his own.
Everton took 10 points from their last 18 on offer, scoring nine goals and allowing nine. They have the league’s fourth-best away points total with 26 from 36 possible.
West Brom took six points from their last 18 available and were outscored 7-5. The Baggies have the league’s second-worst points total at home with just 10 from 39 possible taken. The good news for Allardyce is that three straight home games ended without a defeat.
Allardyce could be without three players on Thursday night. Full-back Kieran Gibbs remains a doubt due to a lingering injury issue. Semi Ajayi is ruled out due to a red card suspension. Robert Snodgrass is again ruled out due to a calf injury.
Ancelotti has six players on his injury and suspension list. Yerry Mina and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are both ruled out through their respective injuries. Full-back Seamus Coleman could be available following a knock.
Midfielder Tom Davies is also recouping from a knock and could come back for the match. Rodriguez is nursing a slight calf injury and could be back in time for the game. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Robin Olsen is a doubt due to a knock.
Which team will continue their unbeaten run? Everton are the better team and should end West Brom’s unbeaten run at the Hawthorns. The Toffees could climb into the top four, but will need help from the teams in front of them dropping points.