Everton Face Brentford as Both Clubs Push for European Spot
- Spirit of The News
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Everton take the trip down to the capital to face Brentford, as both sides continue to push for a European spot.
The recent power shift Moyes has constructed has set the Toffees up for a positive end to the season, with the possibility of European football coming into light.
Following the Blues’ 3-0 destruction of Chelsea, prior to the international break, the media hype surrounding Everton has intensified. With Brentford being the next challenge, with the Bees sitting one place ahead (in 7th) on goal difference, the opportunity to filter up the table is extremely apparent.
Though we’ve seen the unpredictability of the Premier League this season, if Brentford’s recent form is anything to go by, Everton will be licking their lips.
Keith Andrew’s side are without a win in the league since the end of February, a 4-3 win over Burnley, with the Irish manager stating it will require a “mammoth effort” to pursue the push for European qualification.
Brentford have had many missed opportunities throughout the last few game weeks to go level on points with Chelsea. A goalless draw away at Leeds followed a 2-2 draw versus Wolves at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the West London side expected to win both fixtures.
Though it seems Brentford may be gradually dragging themselves out of the European race, Everton manager David Moyes has made it clear they will not shy away from the seismic opportunity.
The Glaswegian has stated that, “It's seven games to go to see if we can cling on to a position in Europe; I'd say if we can get a position in the top 10, we'd see it as a really good season, not near the bottom of the table fighting relegation,” with Moyes also adding that “I don't want to step away because you don't get many chances… we have to see if we can get points and see if we can give ourselves a chance of getting into one of the European competitions.”
Everton’s away record will go in their favour as well. Since Moyes’ return, the Toffees have managed to pick up 41 points on the road, with only Arsenal claiming more (48).
For the Toffees, Iliman Ndiaye is currently being assessed regarding a foot/ankle problem after withdrawing from international duty, and Jarrad Branthwaite is set to be fully fit and back in the squad after a long time on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
For Brentford, Rico Henry is expected to be out until late April due to a hamstring injury, and Mikkel Damsgaard is expected to be within the squad after suffering a knee injury.