Premier League preview: West Brom take on Everton in Pepe Mel's first game

Former Real Betis boss Mel, confirmed as Steve Clarke's successor earlier this month, inherits a side just three points above the Premier League drop zone.

Caretaker Keith Downing remained at the helm for

the 1-0 defeat by Southampton last time out, the only reverse of his five-game spell in charge, which featured three draws and one victory.

Everton have the chance to climb to fourth in the Premier League table if they triumph tonight after Merseyside rivals Liverpool dropped points at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

Roberto Martinez's men have suffered just two top-flight defeats this season, the least of any side in the Premier League, with their only reverse on the road coming against Manchester City.

Everton's leading scorer Romelu Lukaku comes up against West Brom for the first time in his career, with the Belgium international having enjoyed a prolific spell on loan with the Baggies last season.