Everton vs Brentford predictions: McNeil to play starring role for Dyche's men

Alex Wrigley

Spotlight

Sean Dyche might be relying on Dwight McNeil again this weekend

- Dwight McNeil has six goal contributions in 10 Premier League appearances
- Brentford have lost all five Premier League away games this season
- Recommended bet: Dwight McNeil to score or give an assist

Everton have recovered from a torrid start to the season to drag themselves clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and they will be hoping to take advantage of a Brentford side that have been poor travellers this term.

The Bees are yet to pick up a point on the road, although they have had an incredibly difficult string of away games, and will now be looking forward to visiting some more beatable sides.

Team news

Star defender Jarrad Branthwaite is a doubt for Everton after withdrawing from the England squad, and he may join a host of absentees for the Toffees, with Seamus Coleman, Tim Oroegbunam, James Garner, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti all set to miss Saturday's clash.

As many as eight players could be absent for Brentford, with Ethan Pinnock and Yoane Wissa both doubts and potentially joining Kristoffer Ajer, Gustavo Nunes, Aaron Hickey, Igor Thiago, Joshua Da Silva, and Rico Henry on the sidelines.

The stats

Three of Dwight McNeil’s six goal contributions have come at Goodison Park.

McNeil has scored once and assisted once in his last three appearances against Brentford.

Brentford have lost their last three meetings with Everton, conceding five goals in the process.

Thomas Frank's side have conceded 11 goals in five league away days this term.

Thomas Frank's Brentford have had some tough away fixtures so far this season

Everton have only lost one of their last seven matches.

The latest Everton vs Brentford odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

Everton began the season with four successive Premier League defeats, with the 13 goals conceded in this dreadful start hinting at a long and arduous season for the long-suffering Toffees fans.

However, Sean Dyche has managed to turn things around with his side losing just one of their seven outings since to pull themselves clear of the drop zone as December approaches.

One man who has proven pivotal for the Toffees is McNeil, and the 24-year-old could be at the heart of things again on Saturday.

McNeil has registered three goals and three assists in just 10 games this season, already putting him 60% of the way towards his best-ever season in terms of goal contributions, and he usually enjoys himself against Brentford.

The Bees are yet to pick up a point away from home and have conceded 11 goals in their five trips. Admittedly they did face an uphill task as they began the campaign with trips to Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Manchester United, but a late collapse at Craven Cottage earlier this month hints at some deeper issues on their travels.

If anybody in this Everton squad can take advantage of that, it is McNeil.

Back Dwight McNeil to score or give an assist at 29/20 with LiveScore Bet.