Chris Sutton predicts result as ‘slightly unfortunate’ Everton travel to Brentford
Chris Sutton predicts more misery for Everton from their trip to face Brentford in the Premier League at the weekend, with another defeat on the cards.
The Toffees got their first point on the board with the late come-back draw against Nottingham Forest at Goodison last weekend, but the fact that they are away from home means Sutton has given the advantage to the Bees in a tight 1-0 result.
Although Brentford lost at Fulham last week, the last home game they had saw them thrash Manchester United 4-0, so while he concedes that Everton have not been as bad as their results suggest he doesn’t expect them to get anything on Saturday (27 August).
In his weekly BBC Sport predictions column Sutton said: “Everton have been slightly unfortunate, they had a lot of opportunities against Nottingham Forest before the visitors took the lead at Goodison Park last Saturday.
“Frank Lampard’s side just lack that finishing touch, although Demarai Gray had a strong performance and scored against Forest
“Brentford, I watched them in their 3-2 defeat against Fulham last weekend, but with home advantage I think they will edge this one 1-0.”
Tough call
The lack of a proper goal-threat from the striker is undoubtedly a factor in predicting anything with Lampard’s side at the moment.
Heading towards the transfer deadline it looks like that is soon to change, with moves apparently progressing in various directions.
There have been periods in all three top flight outings so far that this side have shown they are not a million miles away from being a decent outfit, but until the transfer business is done it feels very unsettled.
Whether star youngster Anthony Gordon stays, long-time potential returnee Idrissa Gueye arrives to help mentor Amadou Onana in the middle, and much-needed additions come in up front, will have a major bearing on how the first half of this season pans out.
Should all three of those factors fall in the club’s favour then surely there is a lot to be optimistic about, but if the deadline passes and the squad looks the same as it does now, or weaker if Gordon goes to Chelsea, and it could be a long few months ahead.
In light of their last home game it has to be considered a tough assignment to face Brentford in the upcoming meeting, but Erik ten Hag’s side were so bad that day the Toffees will be a step up, so if they get a bit of luck and crucially score the first goal this could still be the game that kickstarts the campaign.