Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 5 April 2026 12:30, UK

Everton must stop Igor Thiago if they are to seal a massive win against Brentford.

The Toffees are firmly in the hunt for European qualification this season after an excellent Premier League run.

A 3-0 win against Chelsea last time around was a true sign of intent and has thrown the Merseyside outfit in the hunt for a potential spot in the Europa League.

It is a similar story for Keith Andrews’ side, who have taken the whole division by surprise by not only avoiding relegation, but joining the European hunt.

Brentford are set to welcome Everton to the Gtech Community Stadium next, and if the Blues can stop Thiago, they have a fair chance of three points.

Leeds United show how to nullify Igor Thiago

If the London outfit have shocked the Premier League, the same has to be said about the former Club Brugge forward.

The number nine has thrown himself to second top scorer in the league this season, sitting narrowly behind Erling Haaland right now.

That has earned him a spot in the Brazil national team under Carlo Ancelotti and afforded him the chance to score for his country against Croatia.

Before that, he faced off against Leeds United at Elland Road and was reduced to just one shot and 48 touches throughout a 90-minute showing.

Thiago also misplaced seven passes, three crosses and one long ball, while also being dispossessed once in Yorkshire as Leeds’ physical backline dealt with his presence.

That has to act as the perfect blueprint as Everton prepare to face Brentford for the first time since the 4-2 Hill Dickinson Stadium defeat last time around.

Everton will still fear ‘all-action Thiago at Brentford

There is certainly a plan there that could benefit the Toffees and could allow them to stop the Brazilian from playing how he wants to.

The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien need to put in a big performance if they are to feature.

It’s pretty clear that Andrews is going to stand by the striker after speaking highly of him throughout the campaign.

Back in October, the Irishman said: “As well as his goals, Thiago plays with such heart. He’s all-action, he’s aggressive, he’s strong, and he’s powerful.

“It’s also the selfless nature of how he plays the game; sometimes centre-forwards conserve energy to do what they want to do with the ball, but that’s not Thiago.”

All that will be on the radar of Everton, especially after his hat-trick on Merseyside last time out, so they just need to be wary and have a plan in place.