Everton host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23. The Toffees are coming off a hard-earned point away at West Ham last matchday. They now face a Bees team that sits 11th on the table. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off at 3pm.
Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Brentford
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
In the last match, Jarrad Branthwaite returned to the starting lineup for the first time this season. He was supported by Jordan Pickford in net, his centre-back partner being James Tarkowski. Both of them have started every Premier League game this season. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ashley Young have been the full-back partnership for the last three matches.
Read More: How Beto Could Turn Around The Faltering Everton Attack
The midfield duo of Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala played in the double pivot against The Hammers. Iliman Ndiaye has been playing out on the left wing in recent fixtures. Jesper Lindstrom is now the first-choice right winger, in place of Jack Harrison. While the attacking midfielder was occupied by Abdoulaye Doucoure, he was behind lone striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Toffees have lost only one in their seven league matches. Unfortunately, that loss came against relegation rivals Southampton.
Their defensive identity has returned recently after a shaky start to the season. They have conceded just two goals in the last five league games. The return of Branthwaite has helped but a lingering injury may force the selection of Michael Keane.
Read More: Jarrad Branthwaite Returns From Injury: Why He Will Turn Around The Everton Defence
Everton’s play is a 4-2-3-1 that often isolates the striker. Long balls and crosses are their main avenues of attack and they rely on DCL’s ability to compete in the air and hold the ball up.
Having a lone high striker doesn’t allow the team to pressure defences often. Instead, the odd run down the line or ball over the top gives defences time to reset.
Not playing a higher-octane version of football could prove costly against the only defence to not keep a clean sheet this season, this considering they have the second most goals, ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Toffees will need to apply a lot of pressure. If they are to let Brentford control the tempo they will likely find the back of the net. Considering the scoring woes for Sean Dyche’s men, that could be the difference.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference, Dyche outlined the availability of some key players for the weekend. Everton are hopeful for Branthwaite and McNeil’s availability. Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti have returned to training but are not available for selection.
Everton’s Predicted Line Up
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Ashley Young
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Orel Mangala
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Dwight McNeil
LM: Iliman Ndiaye
RM: Jesper Lindstrom
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
