Brentford have confirmed their side to face Everton, with Igor Thiago leading the line, Michael Kayode starting again in defence and Nathan Collins captaining the team.
Brentford have confirmed their starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Everton, with Keith Andrews naming a side that reflects both the importance of the fixture and the absences he is still managing.
Caoimhin Kelleher starts in goal behind a back four of Keane Lewis-Potter, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg and Michael Kayode. Collins captains the team again, while Lewis-Potter’s inclusion in defence is one of the more eye-catching parts of the selection. Naturally more attacking in profile, he has increasingly been trusted in a deeper role and gets the nod from the start in a game that is likely to test Brentford physically.
Kayode also keeps his place, continuing his run in the side after establishing himself in recent weeks. Alongside Collins and Van den Berg, Brentford still have plenty of height and presence in the back line for a match that may be shaped by direct play, aerial duels and second balls.
In midfield, Mathias Jensen, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Mikkel Damsgaard are all included. That gives Brentford a blend of energy and control in the centre of the pitch, with Damsgaard likely to be central to much of their creative work and Jensen offering experience in what could be a tight, contested game.
Further forward, Kevin Schade, Igor Thiago and Dango Ouattara make up the attacking three. Thiago’s inclusion is no surprise given his form and status, but he will still be one of the main players to watch after his recent Brazil call-up and first senior international goal. Brentford will again look to him as the focal point of the attack, with Schade and Ouattara offering pace and direct running either side of him.
Brentford XI vs Everton: Kelleher; Lewis-Potter, Collins, Van den Berg, Kayode; Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago, Ouattara.
Substitutes: Valdimarsson, Pinnock, Nelson, Ajer, Donovan, Benntt, Shield, Stephenson, Owen.
The bench also offers a few talking points. Ethan Pinnock is among the substitutes rather than in the starting side, while Kristoffer Ajer is another senior defensive option held back by Andrews. Brentford had already gone into the game without Aaron Hickey and Vitaly Janelt, so the manager is still working around some important absences.