Everton opposable on their travels
Everton travel to Brentford on Saturday in pursuit of their first Premier League win of the season.
Frank Lampard’s men got off the mark thanks to a late Demarai Gray finish last time out at home to Nottingham Forest, but they need to strengthen their ranks in the remainder of the transfer window.
A significant injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin has dented their attacking process and Ben Brereton-Diaz could be set to arrive to lead the line.
The speculation around Anthony Gordon’s future could decrease the youngster’s effectiveness and the Bees will be aiming to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat at Fulham last time out.
Background
Thomas Frank’s men dispatched Manchester United 4-0 in their last home outing and they will be looking to replicate that intensity out of position, to prevent the Toffees from settling in West London.
One of the feel-good stories of the season so far has been Josh DaSilva’s return to the side and the goals after such a long spell on the sidelines.
The Bees have a lot of variety in their attacking contingent and can be very hard to defend against when onsong.
In Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Keane Lewis-Potter the hosts carry a more potent threat, despite overperforming their expected goals unsustainably so far this term.
Lampard’s days are numbered if the Toffees do not pick-up soon, and taking on Leeds United, Liverpool, Arsenal and West Ham United, in the quartet that follows this fixture will not be easy.
With Sean Dyche lingering in the background, still unemployed since being dismissed by Burnley last season, it feels like only a matter of time, unless their performance levels substantially increase, that he is the man to replace Lampard with Everton in the midst of another relegation battle.
At the moment, it would appear that sacking Rafael Benitez was a mistake.
The Bees have gone for quality over quantity this summer, and signing Ben Mee on a free is one of the best pieces of business in the division.
Mikkel Damsgaard is a very exciting addition from Sampdoria, and with a strong cohort of Danish players and staff already at the club, supporters will be hoping that he can replace what Christian Eriksen brought to the club last season.
Brentford are rightful favourites, arguably a tiny bit short, but given Everton’s unconvincing displays so far, I am happy to get the hosts onside.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-1, a disappointing result for the hosts.