Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
In the last seven Premier League matches, Everton have suffered only one defeat, and even that loss came away from home. Brentford, on the other hand, continue to delight fans with goals. Can Everton contain the potent attack of their opponents?
Everton
Moreover, Everton seem to have learned how not to concede. Across October and November, Jordan Pickford has picked the ball out of his net only twice in five matches, once against Fulham (1:1) and once, surprisingly, against Southampton (0:1). They conceded to the bottom-of-the-table side only in the 85th minute. However, their struggle to score is evident, with just three goals in the same five matches. This is why the team have only 10 goals this season, worse only than Crystal Palace and Southampton, and find themselves in 16th place. They desperately need points to avoid slipping into the relegation zone after this round, a scenario that is quite possible.
Brentford
The competition at the top is so tight that even Brentford, sitting in 11th place, could leap into the European qualification zone. They are much further from the relegation zone, with a nine-point cushion. What is important to note about the team is their love for finding the net; only Liverpool have denied them a goal (0:2). Both teams to score and total over 2.5 goals have worked in 9 out of 11 rounds this season.
Everton vs Brentford Prediction
How does this align with a low-scoring Everton? Brentford will likely concede. On the road this season, the visitors have allowed at least two goals and have not gained a single point yet. Hence, the usual total over 2.5 goals associated with Brentford is unlikely in this match. Furthermore, in the last two encounters between them at Goodison Park, Everton triumphed with a narrow 1:0 scoreline each time. Everton will not lose again this time.
