Everton v Brentford preview: Safety in sight
On 16 March, Brentford lost to fellow relegation-battlers Burnley. This was their fifth loss in six games and the Bees were well and truly in the midst of a scrap for safety. But then, the international break came around and something clicked.
Since that fateful evening at Turf Moor, Brentford have gone on a five-game unbeaten run. During this period, they have taken points off of European candidates, and last weekend, they also picked up their biggest Premier League win ever: 5-1 at Luton. With a positive result against Everton on Saturday, Brentford could guarantee safety.
The sun’s shining on Brentford boss, Thomas Frank
It’s been a turnaround and a half. While results were a matter of concern, performances rarely fazed Thomas Frank. While fans were chewing their nails, the boss casually chewed his gum on the sidelines.
“I think we’ve been consistent in our messages, in the way we train, the way we do things,” Frank explains. “And then because we perform consistently quite well over time, then suddenly we just got the points and maybe that little bit more momentum, that little bit more belief. So I think that was it.”
The numbers show that Frank is spot on – his side was creating ample chances that just were not being converted. Brentford is still significantly under for the xG differential, with -9.92 so far this season. In simple terms, they’ve scored about ten goals less than expected. But there’s one department where the Bees seem to be punching well above their weight.
“I think last year there were some stats out that we had the lowest budget and finished ninth. This season I think we are still second-lowest, (or) third-lowest. So we are outperforming a lot.”
Those performances could be further aided by the potential return of star striker Ivan Toney from a hip injury. “[Toney] is progressing, it is better, and I hope he is available for Saturday,” said Frank. “There is still one more training.”
“Ivan just loves to play football. He just wants to get out there and play. All footballers have that same feeling, and of course, the Euros are coming up and that’s important. But he’s also aware that it’s important to be fit to go out and perform.”
Ivan Toney could return from injury against Everton
Goals have not been a problem for the Bees lately, even in Toney’s absence. They’ve got ten in their last three games. Their attackers have been finding their groove with 24-year-old Bryan Mbeumo contributing to nine goals in his last ten starts, while Yoane Wissa has five in his last five away games.
The west Londoners have some wind in their sails with two wins on the trot. Another team with momentum and back-to-back wins in the bag is Saturday’s opponent, Everton.
“I think actually Everton has been consistently quite good throughout the season,” Thomas adds. “They’re very good at making it difficult for teams. They’re very good defending. Such a threat on set pieces, on crosses, on counters. They bring great intensity into every game and I know Goodison is going to be difficult.”
Both sides have had a topsy-turvy season, to say the least. But this Saturday, both teams step onto the field in a 5:30 pm kick-off with the same target firmly in sight – a chance to seal another year in the top tier.
