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Everton vs Brentford: Premier League safety coming into view for Toffees

Two wins is all you need to turn a season around when you're near the bottom and despite the frustration of a draw with Watford, Everton are very much on an upward trajectory ahead of the Bees' visit.

The Toffees now sit two points above Leeds who occupy the final relegation spot having played a game less and know a win over Brentford will leave them just needing a point in their final game to guarantee survival. 

The visitors will be no pushovers, however, having won six and drawn one of the eight fixtures in which Christian Eriksen has played a full 90 minutes.

When: Sunday, May 15, 16:30 BST

Where: Goodison Park

How to watch: Sky Sports Premier League

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Who is the ref for Everton vs Brentford

Michael Oliver is the man in the middle for this game.

Oliver has taken charge of five Everton games this season, showing a second yellow card to Jonjoe Kenny against Wolves and Michael Keane against West Ham.

It will be the third time the 37-year-old has officiated a Brentford game this season. The first was their first-ever Premier League match which saw Oliver keep his cards in his pocket and Brentford earn a 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Season stats 2021/2022: All matches (24), yellows (72), reds (5) penalties (6)

Recent form

Everton had 16 shots at goal against Watford but had to be content with a point from a goalless draw.
Nevertheless, after one win in his first six games manager Frank Lampard appears to be finding his feet with the Toffees having earned 11 points from their last six games.
The 43-year-old has eschewed his more attacking tendencies in favour of pragmatism, with the Toffees digging in to keep recent clean sheets against Manchester United and his former employers Chelsea.
Thomas Frank's Brentford come into the game in stunning form having won six of their last nine, which included a 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea in April.
The west London outfit comfortably beat Southampton last time out, with Pontus Jansson, Yoane Wissa and Kristoffer Ajer all on the scoresheet in a 3-0 win.

Everton and Brentford players in form

The Toffees main man has undeniably been Jordan Pickford, who has kept four clean sheets in his last six games.
At the other end, Brazilian striker Richarlison has four goals in his last seven starts.

For Brentford, the arrival of Christian Eriksen, who has one goal and three assists to his name, has coincided with an upturn in form after they appeared to be sliding towards relegation.

Previous meetings

Everton 4-1 Brentford (February 5, 2022)

In what was Lampard's first game in charge of the Toffees, the Merseyside outfit romped to a 4-1 victory in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
A first-half goal from Yerry Mina meant it was the first time Everton had opened the scoring in a game in just over three months.
Richarlison, Mason Holgate and Andros Townsend completed the home scorers, with Toney replying from the spot.

Brentford 1-0 Everton (November 28, 2021)

Another penalty for Ivan Toney but this time it was the only goal of the game at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The loss heaped even more pressure on then Everton manager Rafael Benitez.

Brentford 1-1 Everton (Bees won 4-3 on pens) (September 21, 2010)

In the first game between the sides in 46 years, third tier Brentford produced a League Cup shock.
An early goal from Seamus Coleman was cancelled out by Gary Alexander, taking the game to penalties.
Missed spot-kicks from Jermaine Beckford and Phil Jagielka were then to prove costly for the visitors.

Past meetings

Everton wins: 5

Draws: 1

Brentford wins: 4

Everton scored: 20

Brentford scored: 9

Managers' thoughts

Thomas Frank Brentford

Brentford manager Thomas Frank on what he expects to see from the Toffees: "I'm expecting high energy, tension and I expect them to come flying at us and they will play with that extra edge and determination that you can only find if you are in a position like that where you are 100% sure that you will have it.

"Other times, the players are professional and will try to do everything but will play with such an edge. Really looking forward to the challenge."

Everton boss Frank Lampard on potentially securing safety this weekend: "It would be great, but it's all ifs and buts. It's our job to get across the line and that's for sure on Sunday or next Thursday. It's up to us to make that happen."

Predicted Everton vs Brentford teams

With Lampard finding a solid foundation in his 5-4-1 formation, he is unlikely to make changes from the side which earned a point against Watford.
Michael Keane should therefore keep his place after stepping in to the back three for the injured Yerry Mina.

Possible Everton starting line-up: Pickford, Iwobi, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko, Gordon, Doucoure, Delph, Gray, Richarlison.

Thomas Frank has gone with 5-3-2 or 4-3-3 depending on the calibre of the opposition and will likely opt for the latter against the Toffees.
The Bees have had plenty of time to recharge their batteries, with eight days between their win over Southampton and this encounter.

Possible Brentford starting line-up: Raya, Ajer, Jansson, Sorensen, Henry, Jensen, Norgaard, Eriksen, Mbeumo, Toney, Wissa.

Everton vs Brentford prediction

Brentford come into this game in form but a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on their previous away trip shows they can still be vulnerable at the back.
The home side know a win can almost guarantee their safety and with a fervent Goodison Park behind them can edge a tension-packed encounter. It might not be pretty though. 1-0.
READ MORE: Play-off final heroes: What did they do and where are they now?

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