Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Everton

New manager Pepe Mel will take charge of West Bromwich Albion for the first time on Monday night when the Baggies clash with in-form Everton at The Hawthorns in the Premier League.

Former Real Betis boss Mel was appointed before last weekend's 1-0 loss at Southampton, but he watched the game from the stands.

The 50-year-old takes over a team that has won only one of their last 12 matches, a run that has left the Black Country outfit just three points above the relegation zone.

Mel favoured a 4-5-1 formation during his time in Spain and he is likely to set up his new team using that system, with Nicolas Anelka spearheading the attack following Shane Long's departure to Hull City.

Obviously, Mel will be hoping to get off to a winning start, but that will not be easy because no Premier League side have lost fewer games than Everton this season (2).

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez is expected to hand a debut to Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady, although the former Celtic man will probably start on the bench.

Everton have won four of 10 away league games this season. A fifth victory on Monday would see them climb above city rivals Liverpool into fourth place.

There are no new injury worries for Everton, but Sylvain Distin, Ross Barkley, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone all remain unavailable, while Gerard Deulofeu is highly doubtful due to a hamstring problem.

Recent form

West Brom: DDDWLL

Everton: WLWDWW

Possible starting lineups

West Brom: Foster, Olsson, Ridgewell, McAuley, Lugano, Reid, Yacob, Mulumbu, Morrison, Sinclair, Anelka.

Everton Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Coleman, Stones, McCarthy, Barry, Osman, Pienaar, Mirallas, Lukaku.

Sports Mole says: 1-2