Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton showdown v Brentford for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has predicted that Everton will need to continue their wait for a Premier League win when they face Brentford on Saturday 23 September.
The BBC Sport pundit believes that the Toffees will continue to struggle in front of goal against Thomas Frank’s side and the Bees’ attacking talent will flourish to continue the miserable start for Sean Dyche’s side, suggesting Brentford will win 2-0.
Everton have been unable to get going this season, picking up a solitary point and only scoring twice, both coming in their last away trip to Bramall Lane and Sutton doesn’t believe Saturday will do much to change the Toffees’ fortunes.
Writing for his BBC Sport Premier League predictions [21 September] he said: “Sean Dyche’s side did not lay a glove on Arsenal last weekend and they surely have to offer more of a threat here – but they will have to be very careful when they go forward against a Brentford side who are so good on the break.
“It must be miserable being an Everton fan at the moment because even when they have created opportunities like they did against Fulham and Wolves earlier this season, they haven’t taken them. I want to say they will score this time, but I can’t see it. Instead, I think there is more misery in store.”
More misery
Before the Blues returned to action following the international break, they were receiving a lot of praise for their performances despite struggling to convert bright spells into results, but after struggling against Arsenal it feels like almost all optimism has been lost.
To lose in that ineffective manner in front of your home crowd is inexcusable, no matter who you’re playing against. Yes, Arsenal are a good side, but Everton could have played for another three days and probably wouldn’t have managed to score.
Brentford aren’t a bad side whatsoever and although they had a hiccup against Newcastle last time out, they will likely pounce on any mistake that the Toffees make and have the capability to stop Dyche’s side’s fragile attack from finding their feet.
However, with Ivan Toney still sidelined and Rico Henry suffering a serious injury, there are gaps in the Bees’ side that can be exploited, should the Blues finally find their rhythm. But at the moment, it feels like much more of a hope rather than an expectation at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, the Toffees could face cash-flow issues if their takeover is delayed in the coming weeks