Dominic Calvert-Lewin has looked more like his old self in recent weeks and the striker scored an excellent header with one of his two efforts on target against Liverpool in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby. That was the second time in three Premier League outings where the 27-year-old managed to lodge at least two attempts on target.

The centre forward was named as a substitute when Everton last faced Brentford in September, though Calvert-Lewin still managed to score when introduced in the second half against the Bees and he should be confident enough to be a menace from the start in Saturday’s rematch following his crucial impact in midweek.

Versatile DR Congo international Wissa excelled as a central striker in Brentford’s stunning 5-1 win at Luton last weekend, netting two of his team’s goals from just two attempts on target over the course of his 82-minute display at Kenilworth Road. The 27-year-old’s double salvo is certain to have put a spring in his step and his pace could be a potent weapon again against Everton.

Wissa has managed a shot on target in seven of his last nine Premier League appearances for Brentford, though it’s interesting to note that his average shots on target per 90 minutes on the road figure (1.10) is higher than his equivalent figure for home matches (0.80), and Wissa seems to excel in fixtures that offer better counter-attacking possibilities.

Danish midfield enforcer Christian Norgaard ranks second at Brentford this season for average fouls committed per game (1.20) in the Premier League, though that figure climbs to a loftier 1.60 fouls per outing on the road for the tough-tackling 30-year-old.

Norgaard, who has picked up a club-high eight yellow cards this season, has committed two or more fouls in nine separate Premier League fixtures already since August and his tally could be high again when he competes for dominance against a combative Everton midfield. Norgaard was fit enough to come off the bench against Luton last weekend, so he should win his place back in the XI at Goodison Park.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been enjoying a breakout season for Everton in 2023/24, though the 21-year-old’s inexperience still shows on occasion and he has been collared on several occasions for some overzealous challenges. The centre half has been shown eight yellow cards this term, which puts him second at Everton for total cautions collected behind defensive partner, James Tarkowski.

Branthwaite picked up one of his yellow cards when Everton last faced Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in September for a foul on the Bees’ Frank Onyeka, and that was one of two fouls committed by the young defender on that occasion. It’s also worth highlighting that five of Branthwaite’s eight yellow cards this term were gathered in games at Goodison Park, which suggests the youngster tackles with more ferocity in front of his hometown supporters.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is finishing the campaign with a flourish and his well taken second half header against Liverpool in midweek was his third goal in four Premier League fixtures. The 27-year-old had gone a mammoth 18 games in the division without scoring before his late-season flurry, so his confidence levels should be high on Saturday.

Calvert-Lewin has scored six times in the Premier League overall this season and he registered one of those efforts when Everton beat Brentford 3-1 back in September. That was the striker’s second goal against the Bees since May 2022 and Calvert-Lewin will be determined to maintain his late purple patch with another strike against Brentford on Saturday evening.

Everton winger Dwight McNeil racked up three shots against Liverpool in Wednesday evening’s Merseyside derby, one of which tested Alisson in the visitors’ goal and the 24-year-old’s left foot is dangerous enough to test Mark Flekken’s reflexes on Saturday.

McNeil hit the target with one of his three shots when the Toffees beat Brentford in September and though he has been averaging just 0.50 shots on target per 90 overall this season, the wide attacker tends to do slightly better at Goodison Park (0.70). McNeil has offered more of a threat in recent weeks in general, mustering 19 shots across his last eight Premier League outings combined and the ex-Burnley starlet can make his presence felt again here.