Premier League: West Brom v Everton match preview

A look ahead to this Monday's Premier League fixture at The Hawthorns

West Brom's new manager Pepe Mel will watch from the stands during Saturday's Premier League encounter with Southampton (GETTY IMAGES)

Pepe Mel will take charge of West Brom for the first time from the touchline, since his appointment last week.

Mel had been hired by the time his new club clashed with Southampton last Saturday but sat in the stands to witness his side lose 1-0 to the Saints. Mel will have to overturn a terrible run of Baggies form if he is to stabilise them above the relegation-zone, as they have won only once in 12 games.

At Real Betis, Mel tended to use a 4-5-1 system but would switch to 4-4-2 if his side were chasing a game. He also deployed a high defensive line which, if utilised at West Brom, could improve the Baggies going forward but might make them susceptible on the counter-attack.

When the two sides met at the beginning of the season, it was very much roles reversed. Roberto Martinez was finding his feet at the Toffees, as their new manager, and was content with his side’s draw against a stable West Brom side, managed by Steve Clarke.

Martinez will be aware that, subject to the weekend’s results amongst the top-four contenders, his side could move into the Champions League places with a win.

New Toffees signing Aiden McGeady was unveiled last week at Goodison Park and is in line to make his first start for the club, although it is more likely that he will begin from the bench.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Everton 0 West Brom 0, Premier League, August 2013

Everton 2 (Baines 2) West Brom 1 (Long), Premier League, January 2013

West Brom 2 (Long, McAuley) Everton 0, Premier League, September 2012

STATS:

West Brom have only won once in 12 games

Everton have lost the least games in Premier league, only two

The Toffees have the joint-best defensive record in the division, conceding only 19 goals

ODDS:

West Brom to win: 3.25

Everton to win: 3.30

Draw: 3.20

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 8pm