Everton travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Brentford in a pivotal clash between two sides level on points in the race for Europe.
The Toffees have won three of their last four matches, and have quietly emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers since the turn of the year.
With both Everton and Brentford pushing for a top-six finish, this encounter carries significant weight in the European picture.
Match preview
Moyes has rebuilt Everton into a compact, direct and highly competitive unit, blending defensive structure with efficient attacking transitions.
Only Arsenal and Manchester United have picked up more points than the Toffees since Matchday 19.
Everton’s strength lies in their clarity. They go long, win duels and attack quickly.
Only Brentford match them for aerial dominance this season, with both sides among the league leaders for long passes and duels won. That tactical similarity makes this a fascinating battle.
Brentford are in patchy form. Keith Andrews’ side are unbeaten in four but have drawn their last three, struggling for cutting edge in the final third.
Their direct style remains dangerous, but recent performances show a side struggling in front of goal.
Match stats
Brentford won the reverse fixture 4-2, ending a six-game winless run against Everton.
However, Everton are unbeaten in their last three away league games at Brentford. The Toffees have conceded only once in each of their four Premier League visits to the Gtech.
Brentford have drawn their last three league matches. Only Crystal Palace play at a higher direct speed than Brentford this season.
Everton and Brentford are the only sides with 600+ aerial duels won this term.
It is worth noting that Jordan Pickford has prevented more goals than any goalkeeper in the league this season.
Everton team news
Iliman Ndiaye is expected to be fit after recovering from a foot issue. The 38-cap Senegal international returns, providing a major boost to the attack.
Jack Grealish remains sidelined, while Carlos Alcaraz is still unavailable.
Moyes may be tempted to reintroduce Jarrad Branthwaite. However, the 23-year-old could miss out after the back four produced a strong defensive showing last time out.
Everton predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford; Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko; James Garner, Idrissa Gueye; Dwight McNeil, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye; Beto.
