Paul Merson predicts result of Everton clash v Brentford
Everton will face Brentford on Sunday in the Premier League clash away from home, and Paul Merson has predicted a defeat for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Merson has suggested that the Toffees have failed to find some sort of consistency this season, and they are missing too many big names.
Brentford are heading into this match on the back of a 3-3 draw against Newcastle, but Merson has predicted a 2-1 win for the London side.
“Everton were blown away by Manchester City last week and have failed to get going this year. They still have too many big names out of contention at the moment. If Dominic Calvert-Lewin was available this week, I’d back them to win this game,” wrote Merson for Sportskeeda.
“Brentford did well to come back from 1-0 down against Newcastle last week, and they’ll be disappointed to have thrown it away in the end. This is a must-win game for both teams, and Brentford need to back themselves.
“Brentford have hit a brick wall this month – they need to go back to what they were at the start of the season. They managed to pin Chelsea back for 30 minutes, and they need to rediscover that form. I think Brentford have what it takes to win this game.”
Too many injuries
To be fair, both Brentford and Everton have an identical recent record.
Thomas Frank’s side have lost four of their last five games in the Premier League and managed a draw last time out.
The Toffees have lost four of their last five games, managing a draw in the other one against Tottenham Hotspur.
Benitez is missing lots of key players at the club, and he will have to find a way to get something from this game.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin still remains absent, while Demarai Gray, who has been outstanding so far, also picked up an abductor injury against Manchester City.
It was initially feared that Gray will be out for at least two months, but the club is hopeful that he can recover quickly.
On top of that, Richarlison will miss this game due to suspension.
The midfield has been severely ravaged with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies missing through injuries.
Allan is another player who is doubtful for this game. He received treatment on a muscle injury he picked up earlier this week.
In other Everton news, one out of favour Toffee is being tipped for a January loan exit.
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