Everton welcome the Seagulls to Goodison Park this Saturday. Brighton being a very good side, this is a test for Dyche and company.
Everton Rewind
Everton took on Burnley in the Carabao cup Wednesday where they dominated. Everton would win 3-0 in a performance that can only be classified as “Dyche ball excellence.” Burnley only mustered three shots during the entire match and did not look dangerous in the least. Kompany was clearly frustrated in his teams performance, a performance that had them keep 62% possession of the ball but only had an xG of 0.06.
Brighton Vs. Fulham
Brighton and Fulham would split the points over the weekend in a 1-1 draw. Ferguson would open scoring in the 26th minute with a fantastic turn, in which he snuggled the ball into the lower left corner, just out of reach of Leno. Fulham would claw one back in the 65th thanks to a Palhinha banger, a goal that came at the end of a spell of endless pressure on Brighton. Brighton have only won one match out of the last seven in all competitions.
Everton Key player
I’ll hop on the JB train! Jarrad Branthwaite is so important to our side right now and our future plans. All of his statistics are absolutely top drawer. In Everton’s 1-0 over West Ham, Branthwaite accumulated 2 tackles, 2 interceptions and 4 blocks. He and Tarkowski have a partnership in which Branthwaite can excel at playing aggressively. Branthwaite will be busy against Brighton, as Brighton moves the ball effortlessly and quickly. Branthwaite, who has not put a foot wrong thus far, will have to continue to do so this weekend.
Branthwaite’s strength in the air will be the difference against Brighton. It will make Brighton play it through the middle and make our dense midfield cut out any promising attack.
Brighton Key player
Mitoma, the essence of Brighton, the epitome of De Zerbi ball. Mitoma has a higher than average shot creations per match at 4.05 per match, he is what moves Brighton into dangerous positions. Mitoma prefers to play directly and carry the ball forward, Mitoma is in the 96th percentile for progressive carries forward with an astounding 5.8 per 90. Brighton plays a beautiful style of football, a way I wish Everton could play. Mitoma will cause our fullbacks much issue come Saturday but Dyche will shut Mitoma down just like he does with most threats. If a goal will come, it will come from somewhere else, Not Mitoma! You heard it here first.
Final thoughts
All-in-all, with it being at Goodison and with the form we are in, I am sure we will walk out with a draw at the minimum. Brighton will try to play the way they do every week, De Zerbi is reluctant to change his plan mid-game, so once Everton run rampant on them, it will be all game. It will be like the end of last season, EVERTON DOMINANCE. UTFT
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