Ahead of Wednesday night's match at Goodison Park, Gary Maiden from Everton website The Gwladys Street Preacher gave us his thoughts on the game and the Toffees' season so far. . .

Thoughts on the first match between the clubs back in September? Did Albion surprise you?

Surprised? No. Impressed? Yes. Albion have a decent record in recent clashes between the two sides and a trip to the Hawthorns is never easy. The way you set up reminds me of the way Everton did in the early Moyes years. Organised, hard to beat and everyone knows their role. I was disappointed with how comfortable Albion looked throughout but not many sides will go the Hawthorns and look the better side.

How’s your season gone? As expected or better?

Given our traditional slow starts, we have to be pleased with the way the season has panned out so far. Early victories over Manchester United, Villa and Swansea had us singing 'we're going to win the league!' Such optimism has of course subsided but I think most blues would have taken being in the shake up for fourth spot at this stage. Annoyingly, our points tally could have been even healthier. A dreadful refereeing display at home to Newcastle cost us a win earlier in the season and the out of form Nikica Jelavic would surely have liked to have made more of a contribution to turn some draws into wins. Still, we were let off in the Merseyside Derby with the last minute Suarez strike chalked off incorrectly. We were due a bit of luck against the red lot though!

What are your team’s current strengths and weaknesses?

I think the whole league knows that we are at our most dangerous down the left flank. The link up play between Baines and Pienaar is at times a joy to behold and has seen the pair adopt the name 'Bainaar.' Jagielka and Distin are also very solid at the back. I personally see our current weakness as the right wing role. With Kevin Mirallas out injured for long spells this season, Steven Naismith has been employed on the right and he does not have the pace or skills to beat a man. In fairness to him, he is not a wide player and it shows.

Who’s been your best player?

There have been a few. The obvious names are Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines. There are not many sides across Europe that they wouldn't get into and their form has been key in propelling us into a European push. When fit, Darron Gibson is a hugely influential player and he has the ability to keep our midfield ticking over. For me though, Leon Osman has been our standout player of the season so far. He seems to have improved with age and deserved his England call up towards the end 2012. His quick feet and range of passing can open up a defence and has seen him transform from the crowd scapegoat to fan favourite.

Anyone been a let-down or particularly poor?

The form of Jelavic is cause for concern. When he first arrived at the club everything he hit went in. Unfortunately, this season has seen the goals dry up for the Croatian. Moyes has opted to field Fellaini in a more advanced role and the Belgian has been the focus of much of our attacking play. This has forced Jelavic out wide too often and as a result has seen him trying to force the issue once in possession. The usually dependable Tim Howard has been subject to some criticism this season also. His form over the past few seasons seemed to have dispelled the belief that he's prone to the odd error but that erratic side of his game has made a few too many appearances this season. Perhaps some competition in that area wouldn't go amiss.

Any youngsters coming through the youth system at Goodison that you are particularly excited about?

The hype surrounding young Ross Barkley has not been seen at Everton since Wayne Rooney burst onto the scene as a raw 16 year old. Technically he looks the business but it is important for Evertonians to remember that he missed a large chunk of his football development due to a double leg break whilst on international duty. I think Moyes is doing the right thing in sending Ross out on loan. He is currently with Leeds United and had a successful stint at Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the season. The experience that he will gain from playing regular football for such big English clubs will do him the world of good and I would definitely say that Ross is one for future.

You’ve got a tricky tie away at Oldham in the 5th round of the FA Cup but should progress, can you win the competition?

The headlines are already in place aren't they? After sending our neighbours Liverpool crashing out of the FA Cup it would be a media dream to see them do the same to Everton, conquering both Merseyside clubs. I would have preferred a home draw obviously, but if you have any ambitions to win the competition you have to be happy with a 5th round draw at Oldham. I don't buy into this idea that claiming fourth spot and Champions League football takes priority over the FA Cup. I'd much prefer the day out and to see us lift the trophy. Can we win it? As long as we are still in the draw, why not? For a club as big as Everton to go 18 years without winning a trophy is far too long. It is only getting harder to do so with the money in the game but if anyone deserves it, David Moyes does.

The 4th round tie at Bolton saw David Moyes reach the milestone of 500 games in charge, does any one game in particular stand out for you?

500 games for any manager to stay at one club in the modern game is nothing short of outstanding. The short sighted fan would argue that no trophy return cannot be deemed as successful. However, given the constraints that Moyes has had to work under ever since he took over, he has done brilliantly to keep us in the top eight on a consistent basis. I truly would fear for Everton without Moyes. It is perhaps sad that this game stands out for me given that we exited the competition as a result, but our performance in the second leg of the 2008 Europa League quarter-final against Fiorentina was incredible. After a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Italy, the return leg saw Everton outplay their opponents in every department and Goodison Park was rocking. After 120 minutes of play and strikes from Andrew Johnson and Mikel Arteta, the aggregate score line was 2-2 and Fiorentina won the penalty shoot-out 4-2. Despite our exit, the performance and atmosphere that evening was like nothing I had ever witnessed at Goodison and made me proud to be blue.

Any particular memories of Everton v Albion games that stand out?

Some of my recent memories of meetings between the two sides are not particularly happy ones. The 4-0 drubbing you handed to us in 2005 will always stick out but I have to point to a 1-0 Everton victory at the Hawthorns as my most pleasing recent memory. The early fixture on New Year's Day seemed to be petering out for a goalless draw with both sides looking like they had celebrated the turn of the year too heavily. An 87th minute strike from 'super sub' Victor Anichebe stole the points for Everton and was key in starting our customary second half of the season surge.

Thoughts and prediction for Wednesday night’s game?

Given the more expansive style of play that has been on show at Goodison this season, someone is due a good whacking. I am not daft enough to think that this will be West Brom, although your rivals Villa do make the trip to Merseyside on Saturday. Your form has dwindled a little bit in recent times and our home form is impressive. I predict a tight affair with a 2-1 victory to keep our hunt for Champions League football on track.