Everton’s first game of 2026 will see the Toffees return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a big opportunity on the line.
David Moyes was able to get his side back to winning ways on Tuesday with their away game against Nottingham Forest.
Despite suffering a number of injury blows, Everton have entered the New Year sitting in eighth spot in the Premier League table.
Having marked their first year on Merseyside, The Friedkin Group are ready to back another transfer window to continue the development on the pitch.
There will be a sense around the club that something special could be achieved in the second half of the season.
Chris Sutton thinks Everton fans will all be thinking the same thing heading into Sunday’s game against Brentford.
Chris Sutton shares his Everton vs Brentford prediction
Everton head into the Brentford clash with a long injury list, but could potentially welcome back Michael Keane to the fold.
The Bees are just one spot behind Everton in the table, as three points could take the Blues as high as fifth place.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton feels as if Everton fans must already sense the potential for a historic campaign.
How confident are you going into Sunday’s game against Brentford? 🤕
Let us know your score predictions in the comments! 👇
“Everton have had a great season so far. Beating Forest was an important result for them, because the six teams immediately above them all dropped points,” he said as he predicted a narrow Everton win.
Moyes wants Everton to target a European finish this season.
“They are now in eighth place and, with another home league game against Wolves to come after this one, their fans must be thinking this week is a real opportunity to climb higher.
“It won’t be easy against Brentford, however. Keith Andrews’ side took seven points out of a possible nine over Christmas, and are also in the top half of the table.”
Thierno Barry has been studying Romelu Lukaku as he looks to finally discover some consistency in front of goal for Everton.
With Everton far from free-scoring this season, Sutton has identified one way in which he thinks Brentford could be vulnerable on Sunday.
Everton urged to target Brentford’s Jordan Henderson
Despite being so light on numbers, Everton’s midfield has become their greatest strength with the performances of James Garner.
After scoring and assisting during the week, Garner has been hailed by Everton fans once again as his sensational season continues.
With Armstrong recalled, what would be your midfield two to face Brentford? 🤔
The 24-year-old has also been aided by Tim Iroegbunam’s recent improvement in form alongside him in the midfield.
Sutton clearly thinks that the Everton pairing could enjoy a field day against an ageing Jordan Henderson.
“I actually think the Bees are a better team when Jordan Henderson isn’t playing – Andrews left him out of their wins over Bournemouth and Wolves and they seem to have a bit more energy without him in the team,” he added.
These are the games where Everton have to come out on top if they are going to land a spot playing European football next season.
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