Premier League preview and odds: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton

Premier League preview and odds: West Bromwich Albion vs Everton

August 20 , 2016 15:00pm - The Hawthorns

Premier League

West Bromwich Albion will look to build on their winning start when they get their home campaign underway against an Everton side hoping for a brighter future under their new regime.

Solid start for middling Baggies

Once again, West Bromwich Albion went quietly about their business last season, barely threatening the top half of the table while remaining at arm`s length from the relegation battle. While some clubs would welcome such an unremarkable performance in the top flight, fans of the Baggies might just be hoping for something more inspiring this season.

It has been four years since the Midland side last bothered the top 10 places under the guidance of Steve Clarke. Since then a 13th place finish is the best that they have achieved. However, they did get off to the perfect start last weekend when they grabbed all three points away from home against mid-table rivals Crystal Palace. It was by no mean a dominating performance in London but it was a satisfying one that suggested that the cub has the talent required to once again avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.

Meanwhile, Everton came through a tough opening game at home to Tottenham Hotspur with a point but will be looking for more this weekend. Now under new ownership and with a new coach at the helm, Everton fans we be hoping to see some significant progress from last season`s disappointing campaign under Roberto Martinez in which they failed to break into the top 10.

Ronald Koeman led Southampton to a sixth-place finish last year and will be looking for a similar result with the Toffees. However, the anticipated spending spree under the new owner has not yet materialised despite the club recouping a significant fee from the sale of John Stones to Manchester City.

Team news

Chris Brunt will be the only significant absentee for the home side.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to manage without the services of Seamus Coleman, Muhamed Besic, Matthew Pennington, Callum Connolly and Tyias Browning, who are all injured.

Recent form (League)

West Bromwich Albion: WLLDW

Everton: DLDDL

Betting odds and tips

Everton will start as favourites but will find it tough going at the Hawthorns against a settled Baggies side starting their third term under Tony Pulis. The draw looks like the choice bet here.

You can back the draw at 9/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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18/08/2016     © Frixo 2025