Everton are preparing for their first game of 2026 as the 8th place Toffees welcome 9th place Brentford to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. With only one point separating the teams on the table, it is all to play for.
Everton Predicted Lineup vs Brentford As One Point Separates Teams
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
Everton continue to lineup in their 4-2-3-1/ 4-3-3 formation, managing to take three points and keep a clean sheet with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest just before the new year on December 30.
Star-winger Jack Grealish was benched for that game, after returning from a short illness which resulted in him missing the December 27 fixture against Burnley. Nathan Patterson had his first start of the season, replacing Michael Keane in the starting lineup after he picked up an injury between games. Carlos Alcaraz was also missing from the squad after suffering an injury; however, Toffees boss David Moyes refused to comment any more on the injuries.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Sheffield United
Jordan Pickford started in goal with a defensive line of Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien and Vitaliy Mykolenko. James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam lined up as the defensive midfield with Dwight McNeil, Merlin Röhl and Tyler Dibling occupying the attacking midfield, Thierno Barry finished the starting lineup up front.
Everton Recent Form And Tactics
David Moyes is concerned with his growing injury list, making his selection very limited in such a crucial stage of the season. With seven key players currently missing from the squad, the January transfer window could be vital to bring in some much-needed match-fit players.
Midfielder Harrison Armstrong has been recalled from his loan spell at Preston North End, with Moyes stating: “If things allow me, then I will certainly send him back because I think it’s really good for his education. But we need him at the moment. If he does well then we will keep a hold of him.”
The table remains tight, with a win against Brentford potentially taking the Toffees to 5th spot on the table.
Injuries, Suspensions, and AFCON
The manager believes Keane may be able to return to the matchday squad against Brentford, however Carlos Alcaraz, Seamus Coleman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Jarrad Branthwaite will not yet return.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are still at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, so are not yet back in the squad.
Everton Predicted Lineup vs Burnley
GK: Jordan Pickford
Defence: Jake O’Brien – James Tarkowski – Nathan Patterson – Vitaliy Mykolenko
Midfield: James Garner – Tim Iroegbunam – Dwight McNeil – Merlin Röhl – Jack Grealish
Forwards: Thierno Barry
Featured Image Credits
IMAGO / Visionhaus
