Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Sat 11 April 2026 7:10, UK

Everton are back in action after three weeks away, as they take on Brentford this weekend.

The two sides are locked together in the standings, with goal difference the only divide between the pair.

David Moyes‘ side secured a fantastic 3-0 win against Chelsea before the international break, but the three-week gap has thrown the form book out of the window.

Making the trip to West London, the Toffees are looking to secure a result that would massively strengthen their hopes of finishing in a European position come May.

Brentford themselves have had a superb term under Keith Andrews, and the latest prediction from Opta’s supercomputer outlines that this is set to continue as they lock horns with Everton.

Everton dealt hammer blow in latest Opta prediction

At the start of the season, Toffees fans would have snapped your hand off for a relatively simple and stress-free campaign, after a turbulent period fighting at the wrong end of the Premier League.

Instead, Moyes has thrown the club into a battle for Europe, while Everton have continued to get better and better over the course of the season.

However, despite the form of the Blues in recent months, the latest prediction from Opta‘s supercomputer has gone in the direction of a Brentford win, with the Bees being firm favourites.

Andrews’ side would secure a big result at Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this season, with the West London outfit winning 4-2 in early January.

But recent performances suggest that this is a different Everton, one who will see themselves as more than capable of pulling off a result on their travels against a direct league rival.

Everton have added Merseyside derby incentive

As mentioned, form does go out of the window somewhat when the extended break is considered.

However, the Blues will still be thinking back to their sensational win against Chelsea, that proved their capabilities against sides in and around the race for the Champions League.

Not only are Everton looking for their first European adventure since 2017, but fans are also beginning to sniff a chance to topple rivals Liverpool.

The Reds sit just three spots above Everton, with a three-point gap.

Arne Slot’s side have had a dismal year, and with the derby coming up next week, Toffees will be desperate to carry every bit of momentum possible as they welcome Liverpool to Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.

The trajectory of the respective clubs could not contrast more at the moment, with Everton on the up while their rivals have continued to slip.

And with a Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain potentially on the cards on Tuesday, the chance is there for the Blues to strike against their wounded enemy.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.