Everton v Brighton & Hove Albion

It’s been 89 days since Everton were last in Premier League action. A season that saw safety, despite huge hurdles that the Toffees had to clear both on and off the pitch. Since the 2-1 defeat at The Emirates Stadium the message from the club has been one of stability and self-sufficiency. Sean Dyche looks close to securing a new deal as blues boss after steadying a ship in stormy seas and remains in charge for what would be his second full season on Merseyside. Thewell’s recruitment has looked targeted and tactical, bringing in young players whilst trying to steer clear of any further FFP complications. With Harrison, Lindstrom, Ndiaye, O’Brien and Iroegbunam all arriving early in the window, dare I say there appears to be a faint whiff of optimism surrounding the final season at Goodison Park…

If You Know Your History… Everton v Brighton Through the Years

Everton and Brighton have faced off 14 times in the Premier League era. Statistically the Toffees have the advantage, winning 6 times. Brighton have bested Everton on 4 occasions, while the points have been shared also on 4 occasions. 2 of those 4 draws were last season, which saw the sides draw 1-1 home and away.

Fans heading to tomorrow’s opener at Goodison, will be hoping for a repeat of Dyche’s biggest win as Toffees’ boss. The memorable 5-1 thrashing of Brighton at the Amex back in 2023.

Team News

Everton look set to be without Coleman, Branthwaite, Patterson and Chermiti (who impressed in preseason), while Keane and Garner are also doubts.

The new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler will also be without key players in the form of March, Enciso and Verbruggen. Alongside Estupinan, Ferguson, Gilmour & Lamptey.

What the Managers Say

Dyche on Brighton – “They still look to me like they are passing, pressing. He [Hurzeler] will know you’ve got to win and win enough so people take strength in what you do”

Hurzeler on Everton – “It’s a great atmosphere [at Goodison Park]. It’s a game that will be really intense. They are strong. It will be a tough match for sure.”

Everton Key Player

Jordan Pickford – Another good international tournament for JP1, after another solid season at Everton. Pickford comes under so much misdirected criticism from the press but the reality is he kept the 2nd highest amount of clean sheets in the league last season and was part of Everton having the 3rd best defensive record (behind Arsenal and Man City). His loyalty to the toffees cannot be understated. He has kept us in games (and many might argue the league) on multiple occasions. His performances will once again play a big part in Everton’s successes for the coming season…

One to Watch for Brighton

Yankuba Minteh – Remember that optimism I spoke about earlier? Well that goes out the window everytime the phrase ‘Everton that’ is uttered. The Toffees were reportedly close to signing Minteh this summer, the youngster has gone on to impress for Brighton in preseason. Assuming he starts for his new club on Saturday, the boys at the back will do well to keep him quiet.

Final Thoughts

It is the first day of the final season at Goodison Park. The atmosphere should be special tomorrow to begin the season-long send off the Old Lady deserves. However, there is an air of uncertainty still. Uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club and in turn its finances. Uncertainty of the future of Dominic Calvert Lewin, who will likely lead the line for Everton tomorrow. Equally uncertainty for tomorrow’s opponents, who had an underwhelming campaign last time out under outgoing manager Roberto De Zerbi. Life begins for them tomorrow under unproven Premier League manager Fabian Hurzeler, who arrives from newly promoted St. Pauli in the Bundesliga. I believe this will be a cagey affair as both sides settle in to the new campaign.