Everton FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Everton FC vs Brighton & Hove Albion Match Prediction & Analysis

Everton and Brighton, who finished in the bottom half of the table last season in 11th and 15th place respectively, will have a prime opportunity to start their season strongly when they face off on the opening day of the Premier League 2024-25.

Despite finishing 15th in the points table, Everton FC, under the stewardship of newly appointed Sean Dyche, made significant progress compared to the previous season. Had it not been for a 10-point deduction imposed in November due to breaches of the league’s profitability and sustainability rules, they could have potentially secured a top-ten finish. The Toffees ended the campaign with 40 points and 13 wins, matching Crystal Palace in tenth place, who accumulated 49 points.

Brighton & Hove Albion, on the other hand, endured a disappointing season compared to their 2022-23 campaign, when they achieved a sixth-place finish and qualified for the Europa League for the first time in their 122-year history. Under new manager Fabian Hurzele, the Seagulls aim to replicate the success of the 2022-23 season rather than the underwhelming performance of the previous year.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Everton FC Preview

Regardless of where they finished last season, Everton appears to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top ten this year. Dyche has managed to construct a formidable defensive unit in such a short period of time that it appears too strong to break down, as teams discovered last time. 

In the 2023–24 season, the 'Toffees' conceded the fewest goals, after City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. However, as the new season begins, the team has suffered a major setback with the departure of Amadou Onana, a dependable defensive midfielder, to Aston Villa. Onana's shoes are difficult to fill, but with the addition of Tim Iroegbunam, the Toffees may have found an adequate alternative despite lacking experience. 

The 21-year-old, who can play as a number 6 or 8 in midfield, has the ability to keep things simple rather than taking risks going forward, the ability to win duels, and, most crucially, the physicality to get up and down the pitch.

Despite challenges, he will find a way to assemble a formidable defence team on the field. However, in order to win more games, you must score goals. That was an area where they struggled last season. Everton scored 40 Premier League goals last season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the way with eight across all competitions.  Only Sheffield United (39) scored less. 

While the Toffees didn't score, they did create numerous opportunities. Their XG was 60.75, nearly identical to that of Manchester United. To address the issue, Everton has signed Iliman Ndiaye, who can play as an attacking midfielder and striker. 

In terms of tactics, Dyche prefers a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 system with Calvert-Lewin at the centre of the attack, ably supported by Doucoure or Ndiaye. 

Everton Starting Lineup - Pickford (Goalkeeper); Coleman, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko (Defenders); Gueye, Iroegbunam, Docouré, Harrison ( Midfielders) ; Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye (Forwards) 

Brighton & Hove Albion Preview

The Seagulls will begin the season under new manager Fabian Hurzeler (31), the Premier League's youngest manager ever. The 31-year-old, who led St Pauli to Bundesliga promotion last season, appears to be an excellent choice to succeed the enigmatic Italian, Roberto De Zerbi. His number-one priority will be to move Brighton back into the top half of the table and possibly qualify for the Europa League. 

That aim appears to be realistic considering the squad's talent, which includes Karou Mitoma, Jao Pedro, Ibrahim Osman, and Yankuba Minteh. Minteh, a recent addition to the squad, scored ten goals for his old club, Feyenoord, and three for Brighton in pre-season friendlies. 

Minteh, together with Pedro and Mitoma, is projected to create a formidable attacking trio in the coming season. Despite all of this, Hurzeler will consider the potential midfield concerns that may arise in the absence of Pascal Gross. He will attempt to address this with newcomer Mats Wieffer and last season's breakout star, Carlos Baleba. 

In terms of tactics, expect Hurzeler to deploy a 3-4-3 formation with a big emphasis on retaining possession.

Brighton & Hove Albion Starting Lineup - Steele (Goalkeeper); Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Barco; Milner, Wieffer, Mitoma (Midfielders); Minteh, João Pedro, Welbeck (Forwards) 

EVERTON FC vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
Winning Prediction

Everton have won their last three encounters with Brighton, but their home record against the Seagulls isn't as impressive. The Toffees haven't beaten Brighton at Goodison Park since October 2020, when a James Rodriguez brace secured a 4-2 victory. Everton's recent pre-season form is also a concern, with only one win in their last five matches. 

In contrast, Brighton enjoyed a successful pre-season, winning four of their five games, including a 4-1 victory over Villarreal.

Given the recent head-to-head record and both teams' pre-season performances, this promises to be a closely contested match. Everton's defensive solidity and Brighton's potential midfield issues suggest a cautious encounter with a possible draw as the outcome.

We Predict a draw (1-1)

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