Brentford vs Everton Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Brentford and Everton both begin the match day in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification - and it is a huge game for the two sides in west London on Saturday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Hulu+
Brentford preview: UCL push for the Bees
Brentford, after a tumultuous and busy summer, were expected by many struggle. Instead, the Bees sit tucked inside the top seven and just three points behind fifth place Liverpool - with fifth enough for Europe's elite competition next season.
They were frustrated by three successive draws before the March international break; the most recent of which being a goalless stalemate with relegation-threatened Leeds United at Elland Road.
Everton preview: UCL push for the Toffees
Everton begin the week sitting just behind Brentford on goal difference, having headed into the break in fine form and in with a chance of taking European football to the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.
The Toffees hammered Chelsea by three goals to nil, a first real statement performance at their new home, to ensure they have now enjoyed three victories in their last four matches in the Premier League.
Brentford team news: Hickey probably won't feature
In his pre-match press conference, Brentford boss Keith Andrews confirmed that Aaron Hickey 'probably' won't be fit enough to play, while Vitaly Janelt will be out for a while.
Denmark international attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard has been dealing with injury for a while, too, but he returned to action over the international break.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Henderson, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago
Unavailable: Henry (Injured), Milambo (Injured), Dasilva (Fitness), Janelt (Injured), Carvalho (Injured)
Questionable: Hickey (Injured)
Everton team news: Ndiaye fit
Senegal international attacker Iliman Ndiaye has returned to full fitness for this weekend, while Tyrique George is also back available after being ineligible against his parent club Chelsea.
The Toffees will remain without Carlos Alcaraz, despite him returning to training. Jack Grealish rremains a longer-term absentee for the Evertonians.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite; Garner, Gueye; Armstrong, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Unavailable: Grealish (Injured), Alcaraz (Fitness)
Questionable:
Brentford vs Everton prediction
Everton have one of the best away records in the league and that will be a source of concern for a slightly dipping Brentford. Just whenever it has seemed that the inevitable decline and regression for the Bees would kick in, though, they have rallied again and find themselves in an excellent position. It isn't a cup final for either but it may be treated as such and that may lead to more end to end football than one might initially expect, with both teams scoring seeming a good bet for this one at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford vs Everton tip: Both teams to score
