Brentford seek their first away points of the season when they travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton in the Premier League on Saturday. Both teams enter the game with varying states of fortune, as Everton seek solace from their relegation worries while Brentford hope to get their away drought over and done with.
Match Preview
Everton’s inconsistent form this season has left them precariously close to the relegation zone. While they have lost only one in seven, their inability to post wins — just two from that period — have frustrated the fans. With just 10 points from 33 available, manager Sean Dyche finds himself under increasing pressure with the Friedkin Group edging closer to completing its takeover of the team.
This game holds extra significance since Everton will face a hectic December, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City on the schedule. Everton has had poor performances at home, earning just one win this season at Goodison Park. Goals have not been easy to come by for the Toffees, who have failed to score in five of their 11 league games.
Then there is Brentford, the great entertainer of the Premier League this season. Their games have yielded a league-high 44 goals: 22 scored, 22 conceded. Still, away from their home stadium, they have been particularly poor this season, having lost all five road games to date. A recent 3-2 win over Bournemouth showcased the offensive might that courses through the team but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Currently in 11th place and just two points off of the European spots, Brentford has the golden opportunity to secure their first road points against an out-of-form Everton.
Team News
Everton
The treatment room Sean Dyche has a mix bag regarding the injury news of his squad. Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite should be back in contention after missing out in a draw against West Ham before the international break. Armando Broja is still out despite edging close to match fitness. Seamus Coleman, James Garner, and Tim Iroegbunam remain out of action whereas Youssef Chermiti is out after surgery during summer.
Predicted Everton Lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Doucoure; Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Brentford
Thomas Frank has concerns over Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, both of whom pulled out of international duty, but reportedly they have minor injuries and both are expected to start. Ethan Pinnock faces a late fitness test after an issue during Jamaica duty, while Rico Henry and Igor Thiago remain out.
Predicted Brentford Lineup:
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter
Key Stats and Insights
Everton have scored the fewest goals in the Premier League this term, with five blanks in 11 matches.
Brentford’s away form is among the worst across Europe’s top leagues, with zero points from five games.
Everton completed a league double over Brentford last season, winning both encounters.
Prediction
Everton 1-3 Brentford
It cannot be much longer until Brentford’s winless run on the road improves, and they’ll look upon this match as perhaps their best opportunity to change that narrative. Everton struggle for consistent goals and solidity at the back, which opens up an opportunity against Brentford. The hosts have tough fixtures coming up and could find themselves in deeper trouble if there is no improvement.
