Next up for the Blues is a trip to the Black Country to play Tony Pulis’ West Brom. We spoke to Read West Brom editor Alex Newton ahead of Monday night’s game.
1. Hi Alex, thanks for joining us. First up, give us your assessment of West Brom’s season up to now. What’s a realistic goal for the team this year?
I think we’ve been solid at the back so far but lacking upfront. We’ve yet to concede away in the league which is a great achievement, but we’re yet to be properly tested on the road. Our only losses have been the expected ones against Chelsea and Manchester City. In terms of our final position top half would be the dream. Realistically I expect us to finish about 12th with maybe a half decent cup run thrown in.
2. How is Tony Pulis getting on? Is he a universally popular figure amongst the fanbase?
He’s doing well so far- there has been some questionable tactics at times, but he’s settled in quickly. Some fans have been disgruntled about the lack of attacking football but on a whole it has been good. He’s already sorted out the main problem of our defence, though.
3. What do you make of West Brom’s new signings? Are there any areas you think have been neglected?
Evans and Rondon are two top quality signings and we’ve brought in plenty of new faces which was needed. We could have done with one or two more attack-minded players but the likes of Gnabry and McClean have settled in quickly. The already good defence was strengthened even more with the signings of the already mentioned Evans and Chester.
4. How do you view Everton?
I quite like Everton especially after Lukaku went there. They’re a decent Premier League side who seem to be just one or two players away from breaking the top 6. Never had a problem with the club and the fans are always great.
5. How do you expect us to do this season?
You’ve looked very good at times this season, especially against Chelsea, which shows there is a lot of quality there. That being said I don’t think you’ll be near the top 4 but I could easily see you finishing inside the top 7.
6. How highly do you rate Roberto Martinez?
I think he’s a decent manager but his time at Wigan was overrated. He never finished above 15th with them but was always destined to go to a bigger club. I think Everton suit him well and can see him being there a long time. He still has a lot to learn but he’ll be a very good manager in the future.
7. Which 3 Everton players would you take to the Hawthorns given the chance?
I’d have Lukaku back in a heartbeat. He was one of the best strikers I’ve ever seen at The Hawthorns. I also like Naismith a lot and think he gets overlooked. He’ll score you at least 10 goals every season and can make something from nothing. For a more unexpected choice, I’d pick Galloway as he’s impressed me from what I’ve seen this season.
8. Which West Brom players should Everton be wary of on Monday night?
If Berahino and Rondon can start linking up together, they’ll cause any defence in the league problems. I also think Evans could a do a job on Lukaku at the back.
9. And who will Baggies fans fear in a blue shirt?
We know first hand the quality of Lukaku, but we can’t put all our attention him. I think Barkley is a very good player who always manages to find space between the opposition’s midfield and defence.
10. Likely West Brom team and score prediction.
Myhill, Dawson, Evans, McAuley, Brunt, McManaman, Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison, Rondon, Berahino.
West Brom 2 (Rondon, Berahino) – 1 Everton (Lukaku).
Thanks once again to Alex for his time. Best of luck for the rest of the season (after Monday night!).
