Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite (credit: Imago)
Sat 23 November 2024 7:10, UK
Jarrad Branthwaite has a 75 per cent chance of being available for Everton when they take on Brentford at Goodison Park, according to Ben Dinnery.
As per the injury expert’s Premier Injuries website [22 November]the defender is set to undergo a late fitness test ahead of Saturday’s game (23 November).
Branthwaite is nursing another injury that saw him return early from duty with the England senior side during the November international break.
Speaking on Thursday (21 November), Sean Dyche said he is “hopeful” of Branthwaite being available for selection against Brentford.
Jarrad Branthwaite must start for Everton if fit
Branthwaite has struggled to remain fit all season and that will be a concern for under-fire boss Dyche.
As per Opta, Everton have a 35 per cent win rate and have earned 1.3 points per game in the Premier League when Branthwaite has started since the start of last season.
That drops to a 17 pet cent win rate and 0.8 points per game without him in their starting line-up – a rather alarming decline.
In fact, Everton have lost only one of their past eight league fixtures in which Branthwaite has started, which has been few and far between of late.
The bottom line is that if he passes this fitness test, Branthwaite has to slot straight into the heart of defence.
This is a hugely important fixture for both Everton and Dyche ahead of a very tough run ahead.
In an ideal world, Branthwaite would be eased into the XI. However, with three points needed against the Bees, Dyche simply needs to select his best line-up – and that undoubtedly includes Branthwaite.
In other Everton news, the Toffees may have found a long-term successor for a midfield player.
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