Everton vs Brentford

Goodison Park is the venue as Premier League relegation fighters Everton look to build on a rich vein of form against mid-table hopefuls Brentford.

Everton’s uneventful scoreless draw at already-relegated Watford in midweek Premier League action may have ended their two-game winning league streak, but it has helped them solidify their survival bid. Heading into the penultimate round of fixtures, the ‘Toffees’ hold a two-point lead on 18th-placed Leeds United and with a game in hand, they are in firm control of their fate. Frank Lampard’s men have experienced a noticeable upturn in form following an abysmal start to 2022, as they take the field unbeaten in five of their last six Premier League outings (W3, D2). Moreover, Everton have not lost any of their four previous top-flight matches at Goodison (W3, D1), with each of those three victories yielding the identical 1-0 scoreline.

Meanwhile, Brentford’s overwhelming 3-0 home triumph over bottom-half Southampton last time out has arrested their two-game winless streak (D1, L1), bringing them a step closer to achieving a top-half finish in their maiden Premier League campaign. With 10th-placed Leicester City only two points away, the ‘Bees’ will be gunning for a third away league win in four matches (W2, L1), hoping to bounce back from a morale-crushing 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on their latest travel. Despite their topsy-turvy away from, Thomas Frank’s men have been one of the most entertaining teams to watch of late, with their last six away league games featuring over 2.5 goals and five seeing both sides on the scoresheet. But, Brentford’s most recent competitive visit to Goodison could stir some painful memories, as they suffered an embarrassing 4-1 FA Cup defeat on Lampard’s touchline debut in February.