Preview: Everton vs Brentford – stats, team news, line-ups

Fresh off their Merseyside derby heroics, Everton are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to host Brentford at Goodison Park on Saturday. 

The Toffees will be aiming for their third consecutive Premier League victory, a feat that would further solidify their top-flight status after a turbulent season.

Everton have had to deal with plenty of well-documented off-field drama this season, but the Goodison faithful have finally found something to cheer about. 

The Toffees have transformed their home ground into a fortress, winning their last three games in Merseyside by a combined scoreline of 5-0.

Last weekend’s epic derby victory over Liverpool effectively secured their Premier League survival, sending a wave of relief and euphoria through the fanbase.

While still sitting in 16th place, Everton have opened up a comfortable eight-point cushion above the relegation zone. 

Their recent form has been impressive, collecting ten points from their last five matches (W3, D1, L1), and Sean Dyche will demand more of the same against a Brentford side also in high spirits. 

Like Everton, Brentford have found their groove in recent weeks, most recently producing a five-star performance to demolish relegation-threatened Luton Town 5-1 at Kenilworth Road.

Thomas Frank’s side are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, picking up nine points in that run (W2, D3).

The Bees have moved ten points clear of the relegation zone but will be determined to maintain their unbeaten streak at Goodison Park.

Match preview

Everton head into a crucial yet favourable-looking final run of fixtures with the potential to firmly put their relegation fears to bed.

Saturday’s showdown against Brentford precedes tantalising back-to-back fixtures against relegation-threatened Luton and Championship-bound Sheffield United. 

They will then head to north London to take on title-chasing Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, but Dyche would hope his side have clinched safety before the clash.

Everton defeated Brentford 3-1 in the reverse fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium, extending their unbeaten run against the Bees to three games (W2, D1).

A victory this weekend will mark just their second league double over Brentford in history, and a first in over seven decades when both sides were competing in the second tier.

A win against Everton will guarantee Brentford’s Premier League survival for a remarkable fourth consecutive campaign. 

Saturday’s contest also presents the Bees with a golden opportunity to correct their paltry record against the Toffees, having won just three of their last eight meetings.

Brentford have also failed to get the better of their Merseyside counterparts in their last three meetings (D1, L2), so they cannot afford any hint of complacency this weekend.

Nevertheless, they’ll be desperate to preserve their five-match unbeaten streak and will fancy their chances of silencing the Goodison crowd again, given their last win over Everton came in Merseyside back in May 2022.

Team news & potential line-ups

Ashley Young is set to keep his place at left-back after filling in for Vitaly Mykolenko during the Merseyside derby. 

The Ukrainian sustained an ankle injury in the first half and joins Seamus Coleman, Nathan Patterson, Dele Alli, Lewis Dobbin, and Beto on the sidelines. 

Meanwhile, Brentford will be without Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Ben Mee, and Aaron Hickey. Neal Maupay will also watch from the stands as he’s ineligible to face his parent club.

Ivan Toney could be available for selection after recovering from a hip injury but there are still question marks around his fitness level.

Everton potential starting line-up:

(4-4-1-1): Jordan Pickford; Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Jarred Branthwaite, Ashley Young; Jack Harrison, James Garner, Amadou Onana, Dwight McNeil; Abdoulaye Doucoure; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Brentford potential starting line-up:

(4-3-3): Mark Flekken; Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, Sergio Reguilon; Mathias Jensen, Christian Norgaard, Vitaly Janelt; Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Keane Lewis-Potter.