West Brom v Everton
Monday 28th September – Kickoff: 2000hrs
Football – England – Premier League
It has been a very solid start for West Brom in what is Tony Pulis’ first full season in charge. Although the Baggies failed to win any of their first three league games, they are unbeaten in their last three matches – winning two of them. What will have pleased Pulis as much as those two victories is winning matches without conceding. West Brom have actually kept four clean sheets in their last five league games, meaning they have the joint second bear defensive record in the Premier League. For a team who look unlikely to be the most prolific of scorers, a sound defensive unit and being difficult to breakdown are even more important, and it looks as though they are going to be just that if there early season form is anything to go by.
If West Brom have started the season in a solid manner, Everton have been a touch more impressive. The Toffees were keen to put their last campaign behind them after disappointing, and they are well on their way to doing that. Their first six games have yielded nine points and lost just one of those. That defeat came against Manchester City back in August, but other than that it has been a very impressive beginning to the season. A 3-1 home win over champions Chelsea and a 3-0 success away to Southampton have been the highlights thus far, but credible away draws against Tottenham and Swansea will be just as pleasing for manager, Roberto Martinez. All too often Everton have turned in an excellent performance and been unable to follow that up, so achieving a consistency of performance is every bit as important as the two impressive victories.
Saido Berahino has dominated headlines at the Hawthorns for a while now, initially for a very productive campaign last season, but more recently because of his desire to move away from the club. Several bids from Tottenham were rejected – as was a transfer request from the player – and it resulted in Berahino claiming he would never play for the club under the current chairman, again. As we all know, football is a fickle game and a couple of weeks after that claim the striker was scoring the winning goal against local rivals Aston Villa. He looks certain to retain his place for Monday’s game and his manager will hope it is a similar return.
Only two teams have yet to concede a goal on their travels this season, and both face off against each other on Monday evening. The pair of goalless draws that have proceeded Everton’s win at St Mary’s are another indication of how much improved Martinez’ men are compared to last season when they shipped 50 goals in the league. Their solid defence has not came at the expense of their forward play, however, as Everton continue to look threatening in attack. Steven Naismith had looked on his way out of the club before the end of the transfer window before a transfer fell through, but answered in the best possible fashion by coming off the bench against Chelsea to score a hat-trick. He epitomises the variety and options that Martinez has at his disposal for those attacking positions.
West Brom v Everton Betting Tips
This fixture is not a traditionally high-scoring affair with just one of the last 11 meetings containing three or more goals. I expect much of the same on Monday, particularly as both defences have been in very good form and have proven difficult to breakdown with seven clean-sheets between them (four for West Brom, three for Everton). That being said, there is enough creativity on both teams to cause the opposition problems but it could be a game where chances are at a premium.
West Brom have yet to win at home this season, but when you consider their two defeats have come against Man City and Chelsea, it is not too surprising. Pulis will be desperate to get that first home win on the board but he knows the importance of avoiding defeats when on a run like they are. The visitors are at their best when able to counter at speed but I’m not altogether sure that West Brom will be too keen on forcing the issue and it could become something of a stalemate. With two draws to West Brom’s name, and three for Everton in the early part of the season, I see another share of the points on the cards for both on Monday night.
Draw 12/5 @ Betfred
