Thursday night will see Everton travel to the Hawthorns to take on 19th placed West Bromwich Albion as they look to make it three wins in a row.
Ancelotti’s men are coming off the back of two moral boosting wins against Southampton and Liverpool, keeping back to back clean sheets for only the second time this season.
Those results have seen the toffees shoot back into contention for the Champions League places, now only two points outside the top 4.
A win for Everton in this one will move them into fourth place ahead of West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool. And after results tonight they’ll have the chance to move within 5 points of second placed Manchester United with a game in hand.
It’s safe to say it’s a must-win game if the toffees are to maintain their European ambitions this season.
Former Everton manager Sam Allardyce will be in the opposing dugout and will no doubt be looking to get one over them on Thursday night.
Everton won the reverse fixture in September, beating Slaven Bilić’s Albion 5-2 at Goodison Park. However, I expect a much more difficult game against Allardyce’s low block.
After what was a pretty poor start as baggies boss, Big Sam’s side look to have turned a corner after claiming 5 points from their last 3 games. Not a staggering return by any means but signs that they’re moving in the right direction.
Every game is like a final for West Brom now and Everton are going to have to match their intensity if they are to avoid an upset.
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that James Rodríguez, Tom Davies & Seamus Coleman will undergo late fitness tests to determine if they can feature in this game.
If they’re available it will be a big boost for Everton, particularly James whose creativity will no doubt be vital for breaking down what will be a well drilled West Brom team.
Ultimately though, Everton have got more than enough quality to dispatch this West Brom side and, providing they remain focused, I believe they will claim the three points here.
Prediction: West Brom 0-2 Everton
Last 5 Meetings (PL):
• Everton 5-2 West Brom
• Everton 1-1 West Brom
• West Brom 0-0 Everton
• Everton 3-0 West Brom
• West Brom 1-2 Everton
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