Everton host Brentford in the Premier League, in what will be a significant game at the bottom of the table in the fight for survival.
Date: 27/04/24
Kick-off time: 17:30
Venue: Goodison Park
Both teams have endured frustrating campaigns, none more so than Everton who have had six points deducted throughout the season. This has left them in 16th, but victory over fellow relegation rivals Nottingham Forest has given them some breathing room. With 30 points, they are five points clear of safety, and they have a game in hand. A win would make their position even more comfortable, but a defeat could see them plunged back into trouble should results not go their way.
Brentford have also been battling relegation throughout the year, but picking up eight points in their last four games has allowed them to create some much-needed separation. They are now five points clear of this weekend’s opponents and 10 above the bottom three. Three points would leave them in a significantly strong place to avoid the drop. A loss may have them nervously looking over their shoulders with an intense end of the season to come.
The Toffees have just two wins in 16 and have recorded five overall at home all season. The Bees have turned it around of late, and have scored 10 goals in their last four. They have been boosted by the recent return of Bryan Mbeumo from injury, who is back up top alongside Ivan Toney. They have combined for 12 goals so far in limited appearances. Yoanne Wissa has also enjoyed a good campaign, topping the charts with 12 goals. The hosts have struggled to find a consistent goalscorer this season, with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure leading the way with six. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored just five in a struggling season.
Since 2022, these two teams have met five times in all competitions, four in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup. Everton were resounding 4-1 winners in the FA Cup, and continued their good record against the Bees with two league wins to their opponents’ one. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 3-1 in the Toffees’ favour, as Doucoure gave them a very early lead. This was cancelled out just before the half-hour mark by Mathias Jensen. James Tarkowski restored the Everton lead before Calvert-Lewin added a third for insurance.