Everton early team news v Brentford: David Moyes rules one out
David Moyes has shared a fresh update on the availability of three Everton players ahead of their Premier League clash against Brentford on Wednesday.
The Toffees are preparing themselves to face Thomas Frank’s men on 26 February with the Bees coming off the back of three wins in their last five Premier League games.
Everton have also won three of their last five top-flight clashes and are aiming to continue a run of form that has seen them collect 14 points from the last 18 available.
Moyes will no doubt be keen to replicate his team’s solid form from outings such as their 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, but, one thing is for sure, Frank’s men will pose a tough opponent.
Nathan Patterson out for Everton v Brentford
It’s fair to say that Everton’s form since Moyes returned has been nothing short of remarkable.
They’ve managed to beat teams such as Leicester 4-0 and have also drawn 2-2 against arch-rivals Liverpool in the most recent Merseyside derby.
While things may seem to be all sunshine and rainbows at Goodison Park recently, their solid run of form hasn’t come without an abundance of injury issues.
| Team | Position | Points |
| Fulham | 10th | 39 |
| Brentford | 11th | 37 |
| Tottenham | 12th | 33 |
| Crystal Palace | 13th | 33 |
| Everton | 14th | 31 |
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja have found themselves sidelined for extended periods of the season and while others such as James Garner have returned, the Scotsman shared while speaking to the media in his press conference that he still has the odd issue to deal with [Liverpool ECHO, 25 February].
Nathan Patterson is another victim of long-term injuries at Goodison Park this season with the right-back set to be out for the game against the Bees.
In terms of Jesper Lindstrom and Tim Iroegbunam, however, the duo fell ill last time out against Manchester United and should be ready and raring to go on Wednesday.
Everton could finish in the top half of the Premier League
When Sean Dyche was the manager at the helm, it felt like Everton were on a one-way road towards the relegation battle.
The Merseyside outfit couldn’t string more than five passes together and it almost was as if they were allergic to the goal with the amount of chances they missed in each game.
However, now that Moyes is in charge, the team looks completely different and on its day, has even managed to match the levels that Liverpool have produced.
While it’s still early days in Moyes’ era, if things keep going as they are, it’s hard to see how they won’t at least be on the cusp of breaking into the top half of the table by the end of the season.
Especially if Beto can continue finding the back of the net as he has done so frequently over the last few weeks.