Following the international break, Albion face another crucial game to try to get their season back on the rails. Personally, I feel that recent performances have shown signs of improvement and that the Baggies could've easily taken points from the games against West Ham, Newcastle and Bolton, but the usual story of individual errors at the back, and poor finishing up front meant that all three ended in defeat.

Following a dreadful start to the season that saw them exit both the Champions League and the UEFA Cup, and leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table, they started their turnaround by being the first team to take points of Chelsea this season. They lost their next game, a Carling Cup tie at home to Middlesbrough, but followed that up with victory at St Andrew's and another three points when the Teesiders returned to Goodison for the league match. Those results have seen them leapfrog Albion into 16th place, two points ahead with a game in hand.

The Toffees' revival has coincided with a return to the side, and to the scoresheet, of James Beattie. Goals against Chelsea and MIddlesbrough have given Evertonians a glimpse of the £6 million player they signed, and it may be significant that they have both come in games when he has played alongside Duncan Ferguson. David Moyes achieved remarkable success last season with the lone striker, usually Darren Bent, that was possible forced upon him following injuries to Beattie, but that tactic has been found wanting this term. He has gone with a Beattie-Ferguson attack in the last three Premiership games, in which Everton have been unbeaten. With the crossing skills of Andy van der Meyde and Simon Davies, both are proving to be dangerous opponents. Last season's midfield hero, Tim Cahill, has failed to really sparkle so far and is unlikely to start having played in Australia on Wednesday, which leaves Arteta and either McFadden or ex-Baggie Kilbane making up the midfield quartet. At the back, Everton have done OK having conceded just 12 in 11 games (the fact that they have scored just 4 has been their problem). The new face is Phil Neville, who moved across the M6 having been frustrated with a lack of opportunities at Old Trafford - it's ironic that he would've got plenty this season - and he is likely to line up with the experienced trio of Weir, Yobo and Hibbert.

Bryan Robson will have hoped to have a fully fit squad after the two week break, but more bad news this week saw Kirkland ruled out for potentially another two weeks, and Gera struggling to be back for Christmas. With Robinson serving the last game of his suspension, he still has a little juggling to do. He has been talking up Ellington and Inamoto this week, so I'd expect to see both of them in the side, but barring Kuszczak, noone else's place is by any means nailed on. I'd like to see Robbo put out a side to really have a go - that way, if we can keep asking questions in Everton's half, we could take the pressure off the defence a little.

My team would be as follows:

Kuszczak; Albrechtsen, Davies, Watson, Clement; Kamara, Wallwork, Inamoto; Kanu; Ellington, Earnshaw.

Subs: Hoult, Gaardsoe, Chaplow, Greening, Horsfield.

Steve Watson said when he joined Albion that he felt that centre back was his best position, and with Moore, Gaardsoe and Clement all looking vulnerable there of late, I'd put him in. That also means that Clem can push out to left back and Alby to go to the right, where is looking more comfortable these days. In midfield, I feel that Greening's poor form should see him drop to the bench, with a three of Kamara, Ina and Ronnie behind Kanu. I think that Kanu feeding Earnie and Duke could be Albion's most potent strike force - it may leave the midfield a little light, but if we can start positively and get in front, it can always be shored up with Chaplow, or with Gaardsoe dropping into defence and Watson pushing up.

I'd be surprised to see Robson go quite that far, but I feel he needs to be positive and play an attacking line up. We're at home against a side, while on a recovery, are hardly pulling up trees; three points are required, and goals are the only way to get them.

Jon Want, 16th November 2005.