Everton will be looking to strengthen their hold on seventh position in the Premier League table when they host eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on Saturday.

The Toffees were beaten 3-2 by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane last weekend, but with the Baggies also suffering defeat – a surprise 2-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace – the gap between the two sides remained at four points.

Ronald Koeman will know that his side can extend that to seven this weekend, and with star striker Romelu Lukaku in fine form – he has scored 18 Premier League goals this term – the Dutchman will be in confident mood.

One of the defenders tasked with stopping the Belgian international is 37-year-old Albion centre-back Gareth McAuley, who is enjoying a fantastic season of his own after being nominated for the PFA Player of the Month award for February.

As the stats show, the Northern Ireland international has been brilliant at both ends of the pitch for Tony Pulis’ men this season, and he could play a pivotal role at both ends of the pitch on Merseyside this weekend.

In 26 Premier League appearances, McAuley has made an incredible 159 clearances, 58 interceptions and 28 tackles at the back.

He has also won 63 aerial duels and those figures are one of the main reasons that West Brom find themselves doing so well this term.

But it isn’t just in defence that he has impressed, as he has also scored six goals – including two in his last three top flight appearances – meaning the Everton defence will have to keep a close eye on the centre-half from any corners or free-kicks.