Our prediction for this Premier League match:
West Bromwich Albion will be looking to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brighton when they take on Everton at the Hawthorns on Thursday. The Baggies have been impressive at the back of late, with the team eyeing their third consecutive clean sheet, but they need to improve offensively if they are to avoid relegation to the Championship.
The Toffees, on the other hand, did well to beat their local rivals Liverpool in their last away game, which is surely giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to West Midlands. Even though the Baggies have been showings signs of improvement of late, away win should be considered as Everton are more of a team than WBA. Since top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin has overcome his injury, we believe that punters can find value in betting on Claudio Ranieri’s charges.
Highlighted Player (Branislav Ivanovic):
Over the years Branislav Ivanovic has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world football. Bane plays as a centre back, but he is capable of playing as a full back as well. The Serbian defender has been playing for Chelsea since 2008 and he used to play for the likes of Srem, OFK Beograd and Lokomotiv Moscow in the past as well.
Ivanovic leaves his heart on the field in every single match and that is the main reason why the fans love him. He is known for his aerial ability as well and it has to be noted that he has scored 22 goals for Chelsea since arriving to Stamford Bridge in 2008.
The Serbian footballer has won two Premier League trophies with the Blues, but the Champions League trophy won in 2012 is considered the biggest success of his career. Branislav is married to Natasa, who gave birth to his four children.
Highlighted Team (Everton):
Everton are one of the two Merseyside giants that were formed back in 1878, with the club holding a long-standing rivalry with Liverpool. Everton have participated in the English top flight for a record 113 seasons, with the team competing in the English second tier in just four campaigns.
The Toffees play their home matches at Goodison Park, the stadium that was opened in 1892. Everton have won the national championship nine times, with the team winning their last domestic trophy back in 1987.
The Toffees have clinched five FA Cup trophies as well and it has to be noted that a victory over Manchester United in the 1994/1995 FA Cup final helped the team win their last title in the prestigious competition. Everton and Liverpool face each other in the Merseyside derby and the clash between the two local rivals has been called the Merseyside derby since 1955.
In the 2015/2016 Premier League campaign Everton were hammered by Liverpool (0-4) at Anfield.