Match preview: Everton welcome Brentford to Hill Dickinson Stadium
The fixture on 04/01/2026 pits two tightly matched Premier League sides against one another: Everton, sat eighth with 28 points, take on ninth-placed Brentford who sit just a point behind. Both teams have enjoyed flashes of form this season; Everton’s recent 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest underlined a resilience that follows a mixed run of results, while Brentford arrive after a goalless draw with Tottenham and a convincing 4-1 victory over Bournemouth earlier in the campaign. The numbers tell a story of two teams with similar point returns but contrasting profiles — Everton have been steadier at the back at home, while Brentford carry more attacking threat overall.
Form and statistical edge
Everton’s home record shows a team capable of keeping things tight: eight clean sheets and a modest goals-for at home, 11 scored and 10 conceded, suggest matches here often hinge on fine margins. Brentford, by contrast, have been more adventurous — 28 goals scored in 19 matches but also 26 conceded. Their away defensive record is a concern, with 16 goals shipped away from home indicating vulnerability on the road. Brentford have produced more shots on target overall (76 vs Everton’s 58) and have a higher percentage of games over 2.5 goals, but the visitors’ leaky away numbers and Everton’s propensity for clean sheets at home tilt the balance.
Tactical implications will matter: Everton’s capacity to frustrate is reflected in recent matches and an ability to grind out results, while Brentford’s gamble-forward approach can open spaces. The last head-to-head in February ended 1-1, so neither side can claim outright dominance in recent meetings. Key match narratives include Everton’s defensive solidity at Hill Dickinson Stadium and Brentford’s inconsistent form away from home.
Prediction and betting tips
Expect a close, competitive affair with Everton slightly favoured by the market — bookmakers give Everton the edge at 2.36 for a home win. Given Everton’s better clean sheet record at home and Brentford’s tendency to concede on the road, the most sensible primary play in the 1X2 market is a back of Everton to win. The draw is also live as a secondary scenario given both sides’ ability to trade blows. For readers who like to study market choices and structure bets, see Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets, and if you want help controlling stake decisions consider How to have emotional control when placing bets?.
Betting suggestion: Everton to win (1X2) — on the available price of 2.36 this pick combines home defensive form, Brentford’s fragile away defence, and clear market value.
