Out-of-form Brentford and Everton aim to end winless runs in crucial clash

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Everton travel to the Brentford Community Stadium to face the Bees in Rafael Benitez’s most important fixture since taking charge.

From the minute Benitez walked into his new office at Everton’s USM Finch Farm training complex, his toughest task was always going to be gaining the full support of Evertonians.

The former Liverpool manager won eight of the 14 Merseyside derbies he managed in, and after a goalless draw between the rivals at Anfield in 2007, the Spaniard’s controversial labelling of Everton as a ‘small club’ is something the blue half of the city haven’t forgiven.

Life at Goodison Park got off to an excellent start with Benitez winning four of his opening five matches in all competitions with summer additions Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray contributing to 10 of the Toffees’ 16 Premier League goals.

However, injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in back-to-back matches has triggered a rapid decline in results with off the pitch issues starting to concern the Everton faithful.

Three goals in nine minutes ended Everton’s unbeaten start to the season at Villa Park, and three days later, Benitez’s side were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

Further injuries to Yerry Mina and Abdoulaye Doucoure led to Benitez reviewing all departments within the club and as a result, Everton parted ways with director of medical services Danny Donachie.

Now with Everton only six points ahead of Burnley who sit in the final relegation spot, Sunday’s clash with Brentford has become a must-win for the Toffees, who face Liverpool and Arsenal in their next two outings at Goodison Park.

It will be the first time Everton and Brentford have met in any competition since September 2010 when the Bees, who were in League One at the time, knocked the Toffees out of the League Cup on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

Thomas Frank’s side made an impressive start to their maiden Premier League season as their win against Arsenal on the opening day was followed by draws at Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

However, likewise to Benitez’s side, the Bees have struggled for wins as of late. Brentford haven’t won on home soil since their victory over Arsenal and last weekend’s point at Newcastle United ended a run of four straight defeats.

Issues have surfaced defensively for Thomas Frank’s side, who after keeping clean sheets in three of their first five league matches, have conceded goals in each of their last seven fixtures.

A long term injury to goalkeeper David Raya has highlighted the importance of the number one to the Bees with replacement Alvaro Fernandez conceding as many goals in three matches as Raya had in his nine league outings.

Frank will be without a number of players for the visit of Everton with Raya (knee), Josh Dasilva (hip), Julian Jeanvier (knee), Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring) and Mathias Jorgensen (muscle) all expected to miss out.

Mads Bech Sorensen and Mathias Jensen are both back in contention alongside Yoane Wissa who is back available for selection following an ankle injury.

Everton, as they have for most of the campaign, are faced with a long list of unavailable players. Calvert-Lewin (thigh), Mina (thigh), Andre Gomes (calf) and Tom Davies (knee) remain out with injuries whilst Mason Holgate and Richarlison are suspended.

Some positive news for Evertonians is that Doucoure could feature in the matchday squad after returning to full training. The midfielder, who has six-goal contributions in the league this season, has missed Everton’s last four matches after suffering a metatarsal injury in the Toffees’ defeat to West Ham.

Everton may also have Gray available after his abductor injury wasn’t as serious as first feared. The winger limped off 15 minutes into Everton’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester City last weekend but Benitez confirmed he completed a light training session on Thursday.

Visits to London brought success for Everton last season as they won five of their six Premier League games in the capital.

Three points on Sunday will be crucial for the two sides who find themselves slipping down the table. However for Benitez, who has a difficult run of fixtures before Christmas, a win is vital in easing the increasing pressure he finds himself under.

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