Albion make the trip to Merseyside on Sunday as Graham Potter’s men take on Everton, kick-off 2pm.
A record breaking start to the 2021/22 campaign for Albion saw them round off 2021 with a win at home to Brentford on Boxing Day followed by a 1-1 draw at Chelsea when Danny Welbeck scored Albion’s first goal against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
With 24 points from 18 games, Albion are three points better off at this stage of the campaign than in any of their previous seasons in the Premier League.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
They have suffered just one defeat on the road so far this season – the joint lowest number of away losses alongside Manchester City and Chelsea – and have discovered a good habit of picking up away points.
They’ll be aiming to carry that on at Goodison Park, where Rafa Benitez and his team are going through a difficult time.
After four wins in their opening six matches – including a 2-0 victory at the Amex – the Toffees have only won once in their last 11 games. The opportunity to put that right has been taken out of their hands in recent weeks as they have not played a game since 16 December due to postponements.
Sitting in 15th spot heading into the weekend, Everton could move as high as 12th with a win, while a victory for Albion has the potential to see them move up to eighth, although they have never won at Goodson Park.
Team news
Graham Potter confirmed Leandro Trossard is back in training during his press conference on Friday.
"Leandro has trained today [Friday] so that's good news. It was more fatigue with him and he was taken off as a precaution with the quick turnaround in games.
"The Covid situation is fine, touch wood. At the moment we're in a good place."
Our last meeting
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
Albion have suffered only four defeats so far this season, with one of those coming against the Toffees. Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin grabbed the goals, condemning Albion to their first defeat of the campaign.
Everton player to watch
Calvert-Lewin’s goal against Albion back in August came in his last Premier League appearance. The England striker has since been out with a broken toe, but the 24-year-old is expected to be available on Sunday. With a combined 29 goals in his previous two Premier League campaigns, the former Sheffield United striker’s return is a welcome boost for manager Rafa Benitez.
Match officials
Referee: John Brooks.
Assistants: Lee Betts, James Mainwaring.
Fourth official: Martin Atkinson.
VAR: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett.