Everton boss Sean Dyche will have watched Tottenham labouring in the first half of Wednesday’s 3-2 win over Brentford with interest.

For 45 minutes, Brentford offered a blueprint for frustrating Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, which Everton should be well-suited to replicate at Goodison Park tomorrow.

Pack the penalty box, go direct and try to get under their skin.

In the end, Brentford could not live with Spurs during a 10-minute spell at the start of the second half when the hosts scored three times and Postecoglou will want his side to play with the same tempo from the off tomorrow, particularly as 12.30 kick-offs are often flat.

Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison all made a point against the Bees but Spurs could still do with more spark in the final third while captain Heung-min Son is away at the Asian Cup and who better to provide it on Merseyside than the returning Brazilian?

Spurs’ best chance of the first half against Brentford was a 20-yard curling effort from Richarlison, reminiscent of Son, which brushed the far post.

It was a moment which suggested Richarlison is growing in confidence, prepared to take the initiative and try something from range, and a seventh goal in as many League games in the second half will only have increased his belief.

The 26-year-old visibly enjoyed the needle on Wednesday, reclaiming James Maddison’s darts celebration after it had been borrowed by Brentford’s Neal Maupay and appearing to yell in the face of the French forward as Spurs returned to their half for the restart.

Richarlison missed last season’s 1-1 draw at Everton through injury and he should savour his first return to Goodison since a £60million transfer in 2022, assuming the role of pantomime villain for some home fans and returning hero for others.

Doubts remain about Richarlison’s long-term suitability for Postecoglou’s project but, for now, he is scoring goals, holding up the ball and looking sharper every week. What more can you ask?

Spurs will hope Maddison is fit to start again after pulling up with cramp towards the end of Wednesday, while Pape Sarr should be available again following Senegal’s elimination from the African Cup of Nations.