Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this weekend in a Premier League clash where both teams will look to find consistency amidst contrasting form. Everton, struggling to break away from the relegation zone, are desperate for points after a series of unconvincing performances.
Brentford, meanwhile, come into the match buoyed by their attacking play this season but still searching for their first away victory of the season.
Manager Sean Dyche faces mounting pressure to deliver results as Everton's toothless attack remains a concern. Brentford, under Thomas Frank, have been lively in the final third but will aim to tighten their defensive frailties on the road.
Both sides have key players returning from fitness concerns, which could shape the outcome of this contest. Below are our predicted lineups and tactical setups for each side.
Everton Team News
Everton are set to welcome back Dwight McNeil and Jarrad Branthwaite to the starting XI following their return to full training. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead the line despite a lacklustre attacking record, while new addition Jesper Lindstrøm could continue to provide creativity in the attacking midfield role.
Sean Dyche may stick to his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, with Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucouré tasked with shielding the back four.
Vitaliy Mykolenko and Ashley Young should occupy the full-back positions, supporting centre-backs James Tarkowski and Branthwaite. Jordan Pickford is a sure starter in goal, aiming to organise a defence that has struggled at times this season.
Everton Predicted Lineup to Face Brentford
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Doucoure; Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Here is how the side last lined up
Brentford Team News
Brentford could see Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa return to the starting XI after minor fitness concerns during the International break, while Ethan Pinnock faces a late fitness test.
Thomas Frank will likely continue with his dynamic 4-3-3 setup, designed to exploit Everton's defensive vulnerabilities.
Mark Flekken is expected to start between the sticks, with a backline of Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock (if fit), and Summer signing Kristoffer Ajer providing stability.
In midfield, Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen could orchestrate play, feeding the dangerous front three of Mbeumo, Wissa, and Keane Lewis-Potter.
Brentford Predicted Lineup to Face Everton
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Lewis-Potter
Everton 
Brentford 
