Everton face perhaps the biggest game of their season so far with an away trip to European rivals Brentford on Saturday.
It has been three weeks since Everton last played, when the Toffees dismantled Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
David Moyes’ side boast an incredible away record since he returned to the club, and that will be needed on Saturday against seventh-placed Brentford.
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Predicted Everton XI for Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford.
Credit: GRV Media
Ahead of the game, Everton News has taken a look at how the 62-year-old could set up his side to take on Keith Andrews’ Brentford.
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Charly Alcaraz will miss Brentford vs Everton
The injury news was largely positive from Moyes’ Finch Farm press conference, with an almost entirely fit squad to select from.
However, there is one casualty, with Charly Alcaraz still unavailable due to his injury issue.
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Alcaraz has stepped up his recovery back at base, but the game this weekend will come just too soon for him.
“We’ve just about got a fully fit squad. Charly Alcaraz is back in early training – he’s not available for the game but he’s getting closer to being fit again,” said Moyes.
The harsh reality is that the Argentine’s absence is not a huge miss, given he has only made six Premier League starts this season.
David Moyes to make one change to Everton side
Having come through the international break without any new injury issues, Jarrad Branthwaite could return to the starting XI.
The 23-year-old defender settled for a spot on the bench against Chelsea last time out.
Everton are monitoring Branthwaite’s fitness following his return from the long-term injury issue he suffered last summer.
Moyes will have no issue with playing Michael Keane alongside James Tarkowski, but Branthwaite certainly remains the first choice centre-back.
Ironically, Keane admitted he often plays through injuries, having played a key part in Moyes’ side this season.
Beto has to remain up front
Following his two goals against Chelsea, it is hard to make an argument against Beto starting over Thierno Barry.
Everton fans have praised Beto’s recent form, which has seen him score three in his last four games.
“He’s just beginning to hopefully run into a bit of form. He scored the goals in the second of the season last year, scoring seven or eight goals, so we’re hoping he can continue that,” said Moyes on Friday.
With European qualification on the radar, it is going to be crucial that Beto can find some consistency in front of goal in these final seven games.
Predicted XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.
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