Everton vs Brentford: Preview, Prediction & Betting Odds

Date: April 27, 2024

Kick-off time: 12:30 PM ET

Venue: Goodison Park

Both teams have had tough seasons, but none more so than Everton, who've been hit with a six-point deduction. This leaves them in 16th place, but a recent win over fellow relegation rivals Nottingham Forest has given them breathing room. At 30 points, they're five clear of the drop zone, with a game in hand. Another win would put them in a much stronger position, but a loss coupled with unfavorable results elsewhere could spell trouble.

Brentford has also been flirting with relegation, but a strong run of eight points in their last four games has given them a cushion. They now sit five points above Everton and 10 clear of the bottom three. Three points here would significantly improve their chances of staying up. On the flip side, a loss might have them nervously looking over their shoulders as the season reaches its climax.

The Toffees have struggled, with just two wins in 16 and a total of five home victories on the season. The Bees have improved lately, scoring 10 goals in their last four outings. They've been boosted by the return of Bryan Mbeumo from injury, adding firepower alongside Ivan Toney. The duo has been on a scoring tear, not dissimilar to the in-form Josef Martinez over at Atlanta United. Yoanne Wissa has also been a consistent threat, leading the team with 12 goals. Everton, meanwhile, lack a go-to scorer, with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure leading the way at a modest six goals. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has managed just five in a disappointing year.

Since 2022, these sides have faced off five times in all competitions, four in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup. Everton dominated the FA Cup matchup, 4-1, and hold a slight edge in league play. Their previous meeting this season ended 3-1 for Everton, with Doucoure scoring early. Mathias Jensen leveled the score just before the half-hour mark, but James Tarkowski restored Everton's lead later on, with Calvert-Lewin providing an insurance strike.

Everton

Seamus Coleman could return from a minor groin injury. Beto suffered a serious head injury last weekend and will be out. Sean Dyche should otherwise have a full squad available.

Brentford

Aaron Hickey, Ben Mee, and Rico Henry are all out for the rest of the season. Ivan Toney has missed recent games but could feature this weekend.

Everton

Everton have had a mixed bag lately, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five.

Their rough patch continues, though their position has improved slightly. It started with a heartbreaking 2-1 away loss to Bournemouth; late goals are becoming a recurring theme for the Toffees. Dominic Solanke scored mid-second-half to put the Cherries ahead, and Beto seemingly rescued a point with an 87th-minute equalizer. However, disaster struck as Seamus Coleman put one into his own net. Ouch!

They bounced back with a late goal of their own to nab a 1-1 draw at St. James' Park against Newcastle United. Alexander Isak gave the hosts an early lead, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted an 88th-minute penalty to snatch a point.

A narrow 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Burnley followed, with Calvert-Lewin again finding the net just before halftime.

Unfortunately, a 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea came next – perhaps Everton's worst outing of the season. Cole Palmer was the name on everyone's lips that day.

Last weekend, in a must-win game against Nottingham Forest, Everton secured a crucial 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil.

Brentford

Brentford are unbeaten in their last five, with two wins and three draws. The Bees are buzzing as they try to avoid the drop.

A dramatic 1-1 draw against Manchester United should've been three points. Despite an incredible 31 shots, only five hit the target. It seemed Manchester United stole a last-minute victory through Mason Mount, but Brentford snatched a late equalizer through Kristoffer Ajer.

They couldn't find a way past Brighton in a goalless home draw, then traveled to Aston Villa, where a crazy 3-3 draw ensued. Former Villa man Ollie Watkins put his old team ahead, and Morgan Rogers doubled the lead after the break. The Bees then roared back with three goals in nine minutes to turn the game around, only for Watkins to equalize again.

They finally secured a win against bottom-dwellers Sheffield United, winning 2-0 at home with the help of an own goal and a late strike from Frank Onyeka. Last time out, they thumped relegation-battling Luton 5-1, with Yoanne Wissa scoring a first-half brace.

This is a massive battle at the bottom. Brentford want to keep climbing, while Everton hope to further distance themselves from the danger zone. It's a tough call, but we could see this one ending in a deadlock. Our prediction: Everton 2-2 Brentford