Premier League: Everton v West Brom match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Goodison Park

Darron Gibson is expected to miss the match against West Brom with a knee injury (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton host West Brom on Saturday for what will be their first home game of the season. The Toffees opened their 2013-14 campaign with an entertaining 2-2 draw against Norwich, and new manager Roberto Martinez will hope to earn his first competitive win as Everton manager against opposition of similar strength. Martinez still has Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini after avoiding a double transfer scare, but the evergreen Sylvain Distin and Darron Gibson are doubts.

A last minute penalty from Rickie Lambert was enough to beat Steve Clarke’s team last weekend. The Baggies will hope life after Romelu Lukaku won’t be too unforgiving as Matej Vydra made his Premier League debut against Southampton. West Brom will unexpectedly be without Nicolas Anelka for their second match of the season, as the well-travelled French striker has been granted leave on compassionate grounds, but Scott Sinclair could feature for the visitors after enduring a frustrating year at Manchester City.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

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

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

Everton 2 (McAuley o.g., Anichebe) West Brom 0, Premier League, March 2012

STATS…

Everton have won their last six home matches in the Premier League.

West Brom have only won once in their last ten games.

Everton have kept five clean sheets at home in a row

ODDS…

Everton to win: 1.61

West Brom to win: 7.2

Draw: 4.4

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.20pm.