The Toffees must avoid defeat against Thomas Frank’s Brentford…
Everton travel to London this weekend to face Brent ford in the Premier League and Sean Dyche’s side will understand the importance of avoiding another defeat adding to their problems.
How are Everton playing? Last year, the Toffees narrowly avoided relegation from the top flight and Abdou laye Doucouré’s second-half goal against Bourne mouth on the final day was enough to earn three points and Leicester City were relegated in their place.
With the lack of an outstanding goal threat at the heart of the club’s woes last year, Dyche rolled up his sleeves and got to work this summer on reforming the off ensive line.
That hasn’t happened yet with four defeats and a draw in the first five games of the season; Worryingly, the Blues failed to score in both defeats, with Bramall Lane needing an equalizer against newly promoted Sheffield United.
What’snew in the Everton team?
The Everton manager has revealed that Jack Harrison ‘looked fit’ but is still not fit.
The winger arrived on loan from Leeds United in the summer, but injury prevented him from making his debut.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and winger Dwight McNeil have both improved their fitness after respective problems this season and are on course to make a starting appearance.
However, club captain Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli and Andre Gomes remain sidelined, meaning Dyche could theoretically field an unchanged line-up for the team which suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Should James Garner start against Brent ford?
Although Dyche maintained faith in the team as they struggled and toiled in vain against the high-flying Gunners, it would be wise to add some variety to the proceedings.
Journalist Joe Thomas claimed the game was “tough” and the midfield was “poor”, which is why the Toffees manager could now deploy James Garner in midfield to restore the balance which has faded as snow in the sun.
Thestar, who earns £30,000-a-week, arrived from Manchester United in a £15million deal last summer after impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest as they fought their way out of the Championship and has was named by journalist George Smith praised his “standard”. Magic.”
The 22-year-old started just seven times in the Premier League last season (albeit each after Dyche’s appointment in January) and has made a good start to the current season.
He started four of the first five games of the 2023/2024 season.
According to Sofascore, he achieved an average match rating of 7.00 in an unfamiliar role as right midfielder, completing 80% of his passes, winning 68% of his duels, making one key pass per match and making 3.8 ball recoveries by presence.
Pushed back through the middle, the 6ft 8in ace would provide rock-solid resistance and allow the more attack-minded Arnaut Danjuma to thrive in place of him, having also been praised by Dyche for his “motor”.
While Garner’s versatility and dynamism have allowed him to find success on the right flank, his composure and energy are exactly what is needed to ensure the Bees do not take control of the crucial midfield battle tonight.
Everton cannot afford to suffer another defeat and with the former Red Devils young ster returning to his natural role, an encouraging result could be achieved for Dyche’s side.
