The Toffees come into this weekend clash with the slight advantage, given that they have had an extra two days to recover and prepare. Everton came away with a 2-0 victory from the City Ground last time out, thanks to goals from James Garner and Thierno Barry. It was a positive result for David Moyes’ men, who were clinical on the break. Despite registering just 30% possession, they racked up 1.25xG. Jordan Pickford was a notable performer with six saves, although Forest were mostly restricted to long-range, speculative efforts.

Meanwhile, Brentford were held to a 0-0 draw in a testing midweek match at the Gtech Community Stadium. Keith Andrews’ side struggled to create any meaningful chances, finishing the match with just seven shots worth 0.83xG. This selection has landed in each of the last six head-to-head meetings between these sides, with four draws and two Everton wins.

Everton have played with a lot more confidence on home turf this season, and they have lost just three of their 10 matches across all competitions. Those defeats came against Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham - three tough matchups, so they will fancy their chances against Brentford. Given how the Bees have struggled on their travels, losing seven of their nine Premier League games, the two trends marry up nicely here to back Everton.

Caoimhin Kelleher had very little to do against Spurs in midweek, but was effective when called into action. He registered a total of three saves, helping Brentford keep a clean sheet and secure a point. However, he has been kept busy this season, with Brentford averaging 4.31 shots on target conceded per game. The former Liverpool man racked up eight saves against Bournemouth last weekend, and will expect to have plenty of work to get through as he returns to Merseyside.

James Garner picked up the Player of the Match award for his contributions against Nottingham Forest in midweek - he registered a goal and an assist against his former club. Garner opened the scoring after 19 minutes, ghosting into the box before slotting the ball home. He accounted for four of Everton’s 11 shots, with the other three all coming from outside the box.

With a total of 34 shots taken across all competitions, no Everton player has attempted more efforts at goal than Garner, highlighting how he tends to find himself in promising shooting positions. Considering he has also featured at full back for parts of the season, his average of 1.62 shots per 90 speaks volumes about his attacking intent. That figure rises to 1.9 shots per 90 when playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Garner has landed this selection in nine of his 10 matches overall, only failing against league leaders Arsenal.

Jack Grealish was omitted from the Everton squad against Burnley just two days after Christmas Day, which David Moyes confirmed to be due to illness. The Brummie recovered enough to make an appearance from the bench against Nottingham Forest in midweek, and he should be ready to start on the left wing this weekend.

That isn’t good news for Michael Kayode, who will have the tough task of trying to contain Grealish on the flank. Kayode’s average of 0.63 fouls per 90 in the league this season is nothing to write home about, but he is averaging 2.29 tackles per 90, highlighting how he likes to get tight to his opposing winger and engage in duels.

That is exactly where Grealish thrives at drawing free kicks, as soon as he feels contact, he hits the deck. No Premier League player has been fouled more often than Jack Grealish this season - he is averaging 3.28 fouls drawn per 90 across all competitions.