Slaven Bilić’s Baggies are on the road for the first time this season as they travel to Merseyside to take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime (ko 12:30pm).
Everton
Their latest campaign
Everton finished in 12th spot last season. They ended the campaign five points shy of a top-10 finish and although their performances under new manager Carlo Ancelotti meant they only lost one of his first eight league games, the season run-in saw them win just three of their last 10 matches.
The Toffees had a good run in the Carabao Cup last term reaching the quarter-final before losing on penalties to Leicester. Anfield hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Everton and it proved to be the case again with Liverpool winning 1-0 in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
In the dugout
Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a very prosperous managerial career since his first job in his native Italy in 1995. The 61-year-old began with the likes of Reggiana and Parma before moving onto European giants in Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli.
The former midfielder has enjoyed many pieces of silverware as a coach, with the most memorable achievements coming at AC Milan and Real Madrid where he lifted the Champions League three times - twice with the Italians and once with the Spanish side respectively.
He has been in charge at Goodison Park since December 2019 after taking over as head coach from Marco Silva. So far he’s managed 23 games (W10, D6, L7).
One to watch
Summer acquisition from Real Madrid James Rodríguez proved what he was all about on his Toffees debut last weekend. The Colombian was influential as Everton defeated Spurs on the opening day and has represented some of Europe’s biggest outfits during his career; playing at Porto, Monaco, Bayern and his standout performances for his country at the 2014 World Cup earned him a move to Los Blancos. Rodríguez’s time in Madrid was the most prolific period of his career, scoring 29 goals in 85 appearances at the Bernabeu.
Our last meeting
Albion last triumphed over Everton in 2016, returning to the West Midlands victorious thanks to the chest of Salomon Rondon who secured a 1-0 win for the Baggies on the road.
The last match between the two sides in 2018 ended 1-1, with Oumar Niasse cancelling out Jay Rodriguez’s opening strike.
Stats
Albion
Albion have lost just one of their last five visits to Goodison Park (W1, D3, L1).
Charlie Austin has four direct goal involvements in his last five encounters against the Merseyside club in the Premier League, scoring three and assisting once.
While defender Kieran Gibbs hasn’t lost a game when lining up against the Toffees in England’s top-flight (W4, D5, L0).
Everton
Everton have failed to win their last three games on home soil last term (W0, D2, L1).
There has only been two goalless games between Everton and the Baggies at Goodison in the last two decades.
Toffees No.1 and England international keeper Jordan Pickford hasn’t won a game during the three matches he’s faced the Baggies - drawing all three and conceding twice.
Head to head
| Albion wins | Draws | Everton wins | |
| League | 55 | 37 | 64 |
| FA Cup | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| League Cup | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 59 | 39 | 69 |
Our one to watch
Matheus Pereira will be eager to exhibit his attacking flair this weekend.
The Brazilian midfielder was a pivotal figure in Albion's promotion charge last year, setting up 16 goals and netting eight himself in 42 Sky Bet Championship appearances.
The 24-year-old wasn't involved during Wednesday's 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup against Harrogate Town but after starting the opening day of the Premier League last Sunday, Pereira will be looking to announce himself on the top-flight stage and help Albion produce a positive response this Saturday.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
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Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.