Everton host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday, 24th August at 2pm. The Toffees begin a new chapter in history as they host their opening competitive game at their new of Hill Dickinson Stadium, since their Goodison Park swansong last season. This match between Belgium and Wales will be featured live in the UK on Sky Sports and both teams will be looking to record their first win of the season so we should be set to witness an interesting match.
Preview
Everton come into this game after a hard-fought defeat to a newly promoted Leeds United by a score line of 1-0. The defence of the team led by David Moyes served well for most parts of the game but failed to show the sharpness in attack, something which they must get right quick in order to give its supporters a victory in its new home. Pre-season has been unconvincing too, with Everton not recording any victory leading to lack of momentum.
Brighton, however, were this close to kicking off their season with a win, only to be denied in the 97 th minute by a goal at Fulham. Under Fabian Haurzeler, the team has shown progress at the back end of last season winning their last three games to finish 8 th in the table, just missing out on European football. The Seagulls will be eager to prove themselves to have continued last year.
Team News
Everton
The Toffees straightened its ranks in the summer by acquiring Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a transfer with Chelsea and obtaining Jack Grealish on a loan deal with Manchester City. The two are likely to be on the field this Sunday. The players are however devoid of Vitalii Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite who are injured.
Brighton
The Seagulls will be deprived of the services of long-term absentees Solly March and Adam Webster, and Julio Enciso along with Diego Gomez will also not take part. Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood have gotten back to fitness and this is great news to Hurszeler because he now has more midfielders at his disposal. New signing Charalampos Kostoulas is likely to make the bench after missing the opener because of fitness problems.
Everton vs Brighton Head-to-Head
The recent history between these two clubs has been closely contested:
- Brighton 0-1 Everton – Jan 2025
- Everton 0-3 Brighton – Aug 2024
- Brighton 1-1 Everton – Feb 2024
- Everton 1-1 Brighton – Nov 2023
- Brighton 1-5 Everton – May 2023
A win apiece and two draws in the last four meetings highlights just how balanced this fixture can be.
Predicted Lineups
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Garner; Gueye, Alcaraz; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, O’Riley, Mitoma; Rutter.
Betting Tips
Brighton to score 2+ goals – Brighton have scored two or more goals in 9 out of their last 11 away legs and their offensive quality gives them a good chance of repeating the dose here.
Idrissa Gueye to get a total of 3+ fouls - The Everton midfielder was the leader in tackles last season and this kind of foul will happen. He could easily foul out in a charged emotional climate.
Match Prediction
The emotional nature of Everton coming home will prove to be an excellent backdrop but they are a work in progress under David Moyes. Brighton are closer to their finished product and they have the weapons to hurt the Toffees defence.
Nevertheless, Everton has a better structure at the back and it would indeed have the support of the new stadium that would give it an advantage in a potentially close game. Expect chances to get created by both the teams, but a narrow win is bound to happen with the home team.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
