Everton travel south to face Brentford in a midweek Premier League match. The Toffees are looking to continue their stellar run of form since David Moyes’ appointment as manager. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 7:30 pm on February 26.
Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Brentford In Midweek Premier League Clash
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton have had minimal rotation within their starting lineup, with the only changes being due to injury or suspension. The first of which was Abdoulaye Doucoure’s red card in the Merseyside Derby leading to Carlos Alcaraz’s first start for the club two games ago before returning to the bench. The other change was Jack Harrison returning to the starting lineup for Iliman Ndiaye, who suffered a knee injury in the derby.
Elsewhere on the pitch Jesper Lindstrom has continued his run on the right side of midfield. Guinea-Bissau striker Beto has continued his stellar record since entering the starting lineup. The base of the midfield has been manned by Idrissa Gueye and James Garner, the duo making up a double pivot.
Read More: How Iliman Ndiaye’s Injury Could Derail Everton’s Progress
The Toffee’s defence has been rock solid for most of the season with James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite in the centre. Behind them, Jordan Pickford has earned the second-most clean sheets among keepers in the Premier League. Jake O’Brien has been a revelation on the right side of the defence playing in a central-right-back position. On the left Vitaliy Mykolenko has improved from an early season slump and continues to start.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton are undefeated in their last six league matches. It’s a run of form that now has them 14th on the table and closer in points to playing in Europe next season than relegation.
The Toffees are no longer a high crossing team, ranking in the bottom half. Rather they are a more direct team with the ball. Rather than long balls being held up for ongoing wingers to then get possession and cross the ball they focus on ground balls through the midfield and eventually behind the defence for Beto to run onto.
Read More: How Everton’s Defence Has Improved From Early Season Slump
They also have a renewed intent on high pressing, forcing turnovers in their attacking third to create chances. Gueye is the most important factor in their ability to do this and is the catalyst behind any opposition breakdown.
Defensively they shift from their 4-2-3-1 to a 5-2-2-1, with Lindstrom moving into a right wing back position. The change has tightened up the centre and allowed for more freedom for Mykolenko on the left side.
Everton Injuries To Consider
Moyes confirmed the fitness around the first-team squad players in this week’s press conference. Tim Iroegbunam and Lindstrom were among those who have suffered from illness within the last few days but have recovered in time for this fixture. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youssef Chermiti and Armando Broja are all strikers with long-term injuries. Ndiaye and Orel Mangala both have knee injuries that are also long-term.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Jake O’Brien
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: James Garner
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Jack Harrison
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Beto
