Brentford and Everton will be looking to bounce back from defeat as they face each other in the Premier League. In their most recent match, the Bees lost against Newcastle United. Sean Dyche’s lackluster team lost to Arsenal at home.
Preview (Brentford vs. Everton)
In a heated and contentious match, referee Craig Pawson issued no less than eight yellow cards. Newcastle showed the defensive awareness that has so frequently evaded them in recent months. Thomas Frank’s team has already played out three stalemates this season. They drew at home against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace despite staying undefeated in their first four games of the new campaign.
They have also failed to keep the back door shut in each of their previous four games. Before the month is over, Brentford will also face a daunting EFL Cup match against Arsenal. The Gunners are one of just two teams to have defeated Frank’s team at home in the Premier League. The hosts have scored in 16 straight games in the top division at the Gtech since a goalless draw with Chelsea 11 months ago. Such numbers won’t be enjoyable to read for the Everton supporters. They welcomed Arsenal to Goodison Park last weekend in hopes of extending their winning streak over the Gunners. Everton’s attempts to frustrate Arsenal initially succeeded.
Last season, Dyche’s team only needed a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth at home to avoid the drop. They have since lost three straight games at Goodison Park to Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arsenal. The latter of which came after they managed to hold out for their first point of the new season at Sheffield United. But in meetings with Brentford, Everton admirably managed to collect four out of a potential six points. They are leaving the capital with a 1-1 draw in August before winning at Goodison Park.
Team News
Rico Henry may have played his final game for Brentford this season at St James’ Park last weekend after leaving the game with what is thought to be an ACL injury. This was a devastating blow to the red and white team. Ben Mee, Kristoffer Ajer, and Mikkel Damsgaard, who recently missed games, were the other two casualties from that defeat, along with Henry. Shandon Baptiste (shoulder) and Josh Dasilva (thigh) are also long-term absentees.
In contrast, Everton didn’t experience any new fitness issues as a result of their loss to Arsenal. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has a history of injuries and only had a brief appearance against the Gunners. He should now be considered by Dyche for a start. However, Dele Alli (groin) and Seamus Coleman (knee) won’t be returning for a few more weeks. Jack Harrison (groin) and Andre Gomes (calf) may find their trips to London premature as well. While making one or two changes up front, Dyche should stick with most of his back line. Jarrad Branthwaite put up a valiant effort to hold off Arsenal for the first 70 minutes of last weekend’s match.
Everton has had more success scoring goals away from Goodison Park so far this season than they have at home, and the Toffees should benefit from last season’s respectable performances against Brentford. Although the Bees’ two defensive injury problems are not ideal, Frank’s team can typically be counted on to perform at the Gtech Community Stadium, and we can only imagine a return to winning ways for the capital club on Saturday.
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