The Bees host Everton this weekend in a tie that the travelling side will be desperate to win. Brentford are the favourites going into the game, yet they were unable to beat the Toffees last season, with this exact fixture ending 1-1 and the most recent encounter ending 1-0.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s side have had a rather frustrating season so far and they are currently in 11th place after five matches. The Bees were unbeaten going into last weekend’s fixture against Newcastle, however a 1-0 defeat discarded that status. Prior to that game, they played two consecutive home games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth which both ended in a draw (1-1, 2-2), in fact every game they have played at the Brentford Community Stadium since the season started has seen the hosts pick up one point.
The attacking duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoan Wissa struggled to get into the game against Newcastle last weekend, but Frank could return to a 4-3-3 system against Everton and sacrifice a defender for Kevin Schade. Rico Henry picked up a season ending ACL injury against the Magpies, which is a huge blow to Brentford and disrupts a good chunk of their attacking patterns. Against the Toffees, the Bees should have plenty of the ball and attempt a large number of shots, but the outcome of the game will come down to whether they can take their chances.
Everton
The pressure on Sean Dyche’s shoulders seems to be increasing after each match, with the Everton faithful quickly becoming frustrated with their clubs performances that are completely uninspiring. Everton are yet to win a game in the Premier League this season despite having some reasonable fixtures thus far. The Toffees have accumulated a points tally of one from five games, which came in their most recent 2-2 away draw against another struggling side, Sheffield United.
The issue that will be causing Dyche the biggest headache, is his sides lack of clear attacking threat and goals. His side have only scored twice all season and they both came in that game at Bramall Lane. However, the introduction of Beto in attack seems to have made a difference and the Portuguese attacker is certainly a handful. He has already developed a relationship with Arnaut Danjuma, and the duo look to be the only shining light at Everton right now. The attackers found it difficult in the latest 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, but they should have much more joy this weekend.
Verdict?
Given Everton’s form and their lack of threat in attack, Brentford are favourites to win the tie. At times the game will become scrappy, which will suit the visitors much more. I think Everton will cause Brentford some issues but the hosts should be able to edge it.
The final prediction is Brentford 2-1 Everton.
