Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Scott Mason

Sun 5 April 2026 14:10, UK

Michael Keane could be dropped by David Moyes ahead of Everton’s clash against Brentford.

Both the Toffees and the Bees are level on points in the Premier League, as European football is well within their grasp this season.

Earlier in the campaign, Keith Andrews got one over Moyes, as Brentford won 4-2 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in an afternoon to forget.

On that day, multiple members of the Everton squad had tough outings, but Keane may have had the worst performance of the lot.

Ahead of Everton’s reverse fixture versus Brentford, Moyes may look back and analyse what went wrong, which could signal bad news for the English centre-back.

Why Michael Keane could be dropped vs Brentford

Keane has been a mainstay in Everton’s lineup this season, making 27 appearances over 31 possible games.

The 33-year-old has been solid in central defence, but one of his poorest displays this season came against upcoming opponents Brentford.

Due to that, Moyes may question whether Keane has the qualities needed to get one over the Bees. With European football on the line, the Toffees cannot afford to falter.

The presence of Igor Thiago seemingly troubled the Englishman back in January, losing four out of five ground duels and the Brazilian netting a hat trick.

If Moyes wants to thwart the 19-Premier League goal striker, then handing him a new puzzle may be the way to go.

Thiago already knows he has the beating of Keane, and that would provide him with an unwanted confidence boost when viewing the lineups.

Who could replace Michael Keane against Brentford?

If Keane is dropped, then there are two clear options for Moyes to go with in central defence.

Jake O’Brien is a natural centre-back, and Everton’s record with him in that role is quite decent.

However, with Nathan Patterson out of favour, the Blues manager is unlikely to move away from O’Brien at right-back.

That would then leave Jarrad Branthwaite, who has dealt with plenty of injuries this campaign.

Everton’s European hopes could rely on Branthwaite’s fitness, and in this match, their chances may rely on whether he is fit.

If the 23-year-old is available, a centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Branthwaite could be an optimal way to right the previous wrongs against Brentford.