Paul Merson has previewed this weekend’s Premier League clash between Everton and Brentford at Goodison Park.
It’s been a superb week for Sean Dyche and his team. The crucial weekend win over Nottingham Forest was followed by a historic Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
The result was made all the sweeter considering the Reds’ title ambitions; Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of landing a second Premier League winners medal are now firmly in tatters.
Everton are now eight points clear of Luton Town and can pull within touching distance of survival with another home victory this weekend.
What has Paul Merson said ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash against Brentford?
Brentford are also in fine form heading to Merseyside, having dispatched Luton Town 5-1 at Kenilworth Road last week, a result that massively aided the Toffees’ survival bid.
Ahead of the fixture, Merson has lauded Dyche and his coaching staff for the rapid turnaround after their harrowing 6-0 loss to Chelsea.
“I have all the respect in the world for Everton. They got absolutely pummeled 6-0 by Chelsea the other day but responded with successive 2-0 wins against Nottingham Forest and arch-rivals Liverpool,” he said [Sportkeeda].
“Hats off to Sean Dyche, his players and the coaching staff for showing up when it mattered most – they are well and truly safe now. Brentford have turned a corner and are unbeaten in their last five games, so this should be an interesting contest. Prediction: Everton 1-1 Brentford.”
Everton must use Liverpool win as a springboard
Everton must use the midweek win as a springboard. The standard was set; it’s now about maintaining this level moving forward.
Merely turning up could prove incredibly costly against what is a dangerous Brentford side. Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo tore Luton to shreds last week in transition. A sub-par performance will be punished.
Furthermore, Evertonians want some positivity heading into the summer. Two or three more wins before the season concludes would so excitement build ahead of next season, even with Dyche in charge.
The former Burnley boss has undoubtedly won over a few critics over the past week.