Match Overview

Everton welcome Brentford for a Premier League clash that brings contrasting recent trends into focus. The hosts have tightened up defensively at home and will look to build on a balanced run of results. Brentford travel after a productive attacking spell, highlighted by a recent hat-trick from K. Schade and steady points over their last five matches. With their previous league meeting ending 1-1 in February, another close contest is on the cards at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

• Fixture: Everton vs Brentford
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool, Merseyside)
• Date: 04-01-2026
• Kickoff: 15:00 GMT / 15:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Everton

• J. Pickford
• J. Tarkowski
• J. O’Brien
• V. Mykolenko
• M. Keane
• J. Garner
• T. Iroegbunam
• J. Grealish
• I. Gueye
• T. Barry
• I. Ndiaye

Brentford

• C. Kelleher
• N. Collins
• M. Kayode
• K. Ajer
• R. Henry
• K. Schade
• Y. Yarmolyuk
• K. Lewis-Potter
• M. Jensen
• Thiago
• D. Ouattara

Injury & Suspension Report

Everton

• K. Dewsbury-Hall – Hamstring Injury
• S. Coleman – Hamstring Injury
• J. Branthwaite – Hamstring Injury
• M. Keane – Injury
• C. Alcaraz – Injury
• I. Ndiaye – International duty
• I. Gueye – International duty

Brentford

• D. Ouattara – International duty
• F. Onyeka – International duty
• A. Milambo – Knee Injury
• Fábio Carvalho – Knee Injury
• J. Dasilva – Knee Injury

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings have generally been tight, with just over two goals per game across the last nine encounters. Across the previous 20 clashes, each side has recorded seven wins, with six draws, underscoring how often this fixture is closely contested. Their last Premier League meeting on February 26 ended 1-1.

Match Analysis & Prediction

Everton eyes Europa League spot

Everton’s recent home performances point to a more secure defensive base, supported by back-to-back clean sheets. Their approach has leaned on a compact block and direct transitions, a plan that produced a controlled 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest with J. Garner on the scoresheet. J. Pickford’s presence has underpinned this improvement, and while nine clean sheets in 24 across competitions show progress, they also highlight room to grow. Notably, the pre-match report lists I. Gueye and I. Ndiaye on international duty and M. Keane as injured, factors that could influence selection and balance if those absences materialize.

K. Schade’s recent impact

Brentford have carried an attacking threat, scoring seven in their last five fixtures. K. Schade’s hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Bournemouth was the standout moment, and the Bees’ two wins and a draw in that stretch suggest momentum. M. Jensen’s control from midfield and the width provided by K. Lewis-Potter offer variety in build-up, though D. Ouattara’s inclusion in the injury report for international duty may affect their forward options on the day.

Tactically, this sets up as a contrast between Everton’s compact structure and Brentford’s forward balance. If the hosts keep their shape and find quick outlets through midfield, they can limit Brentford’s transitions and set-piece pressure. Conversely, Brentford’s recent goal return indicates they should create phases of pressure, especially if they can pin Everton deep and draw fouls in advanced areas.

Given the evenly matched head-to-head trend and the 1-1 draw in their last league meeting, a shared outcome feels plausible. Prediction: Everton 1-1 Brentford.