Everton are set to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for their first time ever in a competitive setting.
The Toffees lost 1-0 to Leeds United last weekend, while Brighton registered a 1-1 draw against Fulham last time.
Match Preview
Everton were just one point above the relegation zone when David Moyes took over as manager in January.
But the Scottish boss led his side to some impressive results and they ultimately finished 13th in the Premier League, with an incredible 23 points outside the drop zone.
Everton have added some quality players to the squad this summer, as they aim to finish in the top-half of the league table in 2025-26.
However, the Toffees’ pre-season performances have raised concerns for the fans.
They played seven club friendlies but managed to win only one game, losing four.
That sluggish form carried into the new season, as they fell to a 1-0 loss to newly promoted Leeds United last weekend.
On the other hand, Brighton have established themselves as one of the Premier League’s most progressive sides.
Despite losing Roberto De Zerbi last summer, the Seagulls kept their momentum under manager Fabian Hurzeler in 2024-25 and secured an eighth-place finish in the English top-flight.
However, Brighton couldn’t make a winning start to the new season as they played out a 1-1 draw against Fulham in the opening league fixture.
Matt O’Reiley’s second-half penalty goal put them on course for victory, but Rodrigo Munez equalised in the dying seconds of stoppage time to rescue a point for the visitors.
Team News
Everton boss Moyes will not be able to call upon the services of Jarrad Branthwaite as he has not fully recovered from his injury. They are also expected to be without the services of Nathan Patterson, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Harrison Armstrong due to fitness issues.
Brighton also have their injury woes this weekend, as they will be missing Adam Webster and Solly March. The availability of Jack Hinshelwood is also doubtful for Sunday’s clash.
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion potential line-ups
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry
Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, O’Riley, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction
Everton produced a disappointing display at Leeds, but we are backing them to make a comeback against Brighton this weekend. Although the quality of players in the Seagulls’ ranks suggest a draw is the most likely outcome at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
Everton 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion