Everton vs Brentford prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2023-03-10 15:00.
There’s been a notable improvement in Everton since Sean Dyche was appointed as manager in late January. They have picked up seven points from his six games in charge, which is more than the Toffees managed in their 12 league games prior, but it could all prove too little too late considering the Merseyside club continue to sit inside the relegation zone despite playing a game more than most of the sides around them.
Everton’s next three opponents following this clash with Brentford are Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United, so they can’t realistically afford anything but a win in this game. Dyche will hope to see a fast start similar to the one they produced in their draw at Nottingham Forest last week (2-2) when Everton netted twice before half-time, yet their league-low eight first-half goals this season shows that’s no guarantee.
That’s especially true against a Brentford side that have conceded just one first-half goal across their last nine PL matches. That has helped the Bees rack up a remarkable unbeaten PL run stretching all the way back to October (W6, D6), and consequently they sit just three points away from the top six, with manager Thomas Frank admitting that his side are now “dreaming” of securing European football.
Those aspirations were boosted by a 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday night, which coincidentally was the exact same scoreline in their success at Goodison Park last season. That victory has contributed to Brentford picking up seven PL points against Everton since their promotion last season, meaning they’ve only picked up more against West Ham.
Players to watch: Everton’s Demarai Gray returned to the starting XI at Forest and rewarded Dyche with a goal from the penalty spot; he’s now registered four goal contributions (G3, A1) across his last five PL starts. Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen has scored three goals across his last six PL matches, with all arriving inside the final 20 minutes of the match.
Hot stat: All of Everton’s four home PL wins this season have been accompanied by a clean sheet.