West Bromwich(WBA) vs Everton preview - Hodgson: Judge us at the end of the season

Posted Sunday, January 01, 2012 by PA

A "true mark" of how far West Brom have developed since Roy Hodgson took charge will only become evident at the end of the season, according to the veteran coach.

Hodgson has revived the Baggies` fortunes after being sacked by Liverpool, steering them clear of relegation and then guiding them into a top-10 position in the Barclays Premier League.

They will look to start the New Year on a high note in the New Year's Day home clash with Everton after collecting seven points from the previous three games.

But Hodgson has sounded a note of caution, as he is aware the current healthy position in the table could quickly change.

When asked how far Albion have progressed, Hodgson said: "The true mark of where the club has come to, we will see at the end of the season. If we're still in this league, if we are still in a good position in this league, making progress, then we can say that is a true position.

"But, at the moment, the league is so topsy-turvy it would be foolish to start saying: `Look how far we've come'.

"Two or three bad results and you could be back down there again. That's how close the league is."

West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is a major fitness doubt.

Mulumbu aggravated a groin injury during the home draw with Manchester City on Boxing Day. James Morrison - if he recovers from a recent hamstring problem - and Graham Dorrans are in contention to replace him.

Central defender Jonas Olsson is expected to shake off an ankle knock suffered against City, while Billy Jones is again set to deputise at right-back for Steven Reid, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Everton manager David Moyes has warned his players they cannot afford to be complacent as they head into the second half of the season.

In recent years the pattern has been for the Toffees to have a slow start to campaigns with results picking up in the new year.

This time has been no different as a testing run of fixtures in September and October left them at the wrong end of the table and although they have risen to 10th, Moyes has stressed things have to improve in 2012.

"The first half of the seasons have always been tough for us but there is no guarantee that in the second half of this season we will do what we have done in the other ones - we have to prove that," said the Scot.

"I hope we are in the mindset of getting better because we need to kick on and start winning the games.

"But we will be asking to do that with basically the same players and if they haven't been winning them now they have to make sure they win them in the second half of the year.

"I think the players believe we come good and are strong in the second half of the season so because of that we have to try to show it.

"I am ready for it and looking forward to winning a few games and enjoying my Saturday nights more. We have to hope it happens again but there is no guarantee."

Midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss out with an abductor strain.

The Belgium international sat out the Boxing Day draw at Sunderland but Jack Rodwell, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since December 4, could be ready for a return as he has trained this week.

Loan signing Landon Donovan is not eligible to play until next week while Moyes also has one unnamed player suffering with sickness.