West Bromwich sit one point in front of Everton after holding Premiership leaders Manchester City to a goalless draw, whereas the Toffees brought a valuable point from Sunderland last time out.

Solid displays from the second part of the previous Premiership campaign kept West Bromwich in good stead for the new season, and even if the Baggies experienced some problems at the start to the season, they managed to return to where they belong.

Away victories over Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle created a great introduction for  the home game against Premier League leaders Manchester City, so nobody was surprised to see the Baggies hold their more illustrious opponents to a goalless draw.

Having finished 2011 in great fashion, Roy Hodgson’s men are hoping to continue their rich vein of form into the New Year, and odds of 2.62 (13/8) offered by Victor Chandler on home win are certainly worth a shot.

The Baggies have won just two home games this season, as opposed to four wins on the travels, and scored just 7 goals in 9 matches at their Hawthorns.

Billy Jones is expected to deputize for Steven Reid once again, but Youssouf Mulumbu remains doubtful with a groin problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Foster – Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Shorey – Brunt, Mulumbu, Scharner, Tomas – Odemwingie, Long.

Everton are largely underperforming this season and they already appear to be out of the race for the European places.

The Toffees have done well on the travels, taking 10 points from 8 away games, but it is their poor home form that proved to be a big problem.

David Moyes’ side won just three home games this season, which is simply not good enough for the team supposed to be fighting for Europa League places.

Everton showed some improvement of late, as they are unbeaten in last three matches, while they have now played six straight under 2.5 goals matches. 188BET pays 1.77 (7/9) on two goals or less to be scored at Hawthorns.

Marouane Fellaini and Landon Donovan are both unavailable, but Jack Rodwell could return after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Howard – Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines – Drenthe, Rodwell, Heitinga, Osman – Cahill – Saha.