West Brom know they could move into the Premier League top half with victory over Everton after ending 2011 unbeaten in three games.
Roy Hodgson’s side became the first to stop league leaders Manchester City from scoring this season making it seven points from a possible nine in the last three games. Victories on the road against Blackburn and Newcastle eased the pressure building on Hodgson’s shoulders after a run of one win in six saw the Baggies slide perilously close to the drop zone. However the return of Peter Odemwingie from a knee injury to partner Shane Long up front has been a godsend with the duo linking up to devastating effect in the latter half of December. Albion supporters will be hoping both players can continue their good form and help their side improve a home record that has seen them win just two of their nine games at the Hawthorns scoring just seven goals in the process.
It will be difficult against an Everton side who are unbeaten in their last three and are right back in the hunt for a top seven charge in the New Year. A slow start to the season saw the Toffee’s moved to within inches of the bottom three and a run of one win in six games. However their form and performances have improved considerably since the end of October losing just two of their last seven and putting a six-point buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. The form of Leon Osman has been a particular highlight during the last two months whilst captain Phil Jagielka has tightened up the back four. Scoring goals remains a big problem with David Moyes’ men hitting the net just 18 times in their 17 games this season and that will need to be addressed in 2012 if the club are to achieve their goals.
West Bromwich Albion 11th : 22 points
Team news: Jonas Olsson looks likely to miss the game after picking up a knock whilst Steven Reid and Youssuf Mulumbu are also out.
Key Player: Shane Long
It’s been a marvellous year for Long who scored goal after goal for Reading before his move to the Hawthorns. The striker has become a key figure for Albion and he’ll be looking to start 2012 with a goal against Everton.
Everton 12th : 21 points
Team news: Everton are without three key players with Royston Drenthe, Seamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini all absent from their trip to the Midlands.
Key Player: Phil Jagielka
The Everton skipper has been a tower of consistency this season and wll be vital to keeping Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie at bay. Jagielka will be hoping to maintain his solid form with Euro 2012 just around the corner.
PREDICTION
West Brom struggle at home but have ended 2011 in tremendous form will need to start winning at the Hawthorns in the New Year if they are to finish in the top half. Everton are also on a good run after going three unbeaten and travel to the Midlands a point and a place behind the Baggies.
Score: 1-1
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