Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton will each be aiming to dampen each other’s high spirits when they meet in the Premier League this weekend.
There have been few Toffees supporters to cheer about in recent times (past decades) but they put in an outstanding performance to beat Tottenham 3-2 at Goodison Park last weekend. The hosts roared into a 3-0 half-time lead during David Moyes’ second game as manager but had to hold on when Spurs were delayed.
Such performances will reassure a perennially pessimistic fan base that this team is not in the middle of a relegation zone under Moyes. Everton remain 16th in the table, but they are now four points clear of the drop zone having played a game less than their rivals.
However, Saturday’s visitors have their work cut out for them if they are to set up last weekend. Brighton have won three on the bounce and have not lost in seven games in all competitions. Fabian Hurzeler has impressively managed an injury crisis at the Amex and the Seagulls can now push for European venues.
Last Sunday’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford means they are well into the mix, even if their league (ninth) hasn’t changed.
Here is 90 minutes Guide to Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Brighton vs Everton head-to-head record (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
Brighton | Everton |
|---|---|
Man Utd 1-3 Brighton – 19/01/25 | Everton 3-2 Tottenham – 19/01/25 |
Ipswich 0-2 Brighton – 16/01/25 | Everton 0-1 Aston Villa – 15/01/25 |
Norwich 0-4 Brighton – 11/01/25 | Everton 2-0 Peterborough – 09/01/25 |
Brighton 1-1 Arsenal – 04/01/25 | Bournemouth 1-0 Everton – 04/01/25 |
Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton – 30/12/24 | Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest – 29/12/24 |
country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Not televised – Live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live |
United States | Fubotv, peacock |
Canada | Fubotv Canada, Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada |
Brighton’s injury life is beginning to ease and Hurzeler will soon be able to welcome Evan Ferguson, Brajan Gruda, Mats Wieffer and Jack Hinselwood to his Matchday squad after the quartet returned to training ahead of Saturday’s game.
It’s unlikely Ferguson’s future is still up in the air as we head into the January transfer deadline. Joao Pedro should partner Danny Welbeck up top.
However, the hosts have some defensive concerns with Lewis Dunk visiting Everton and Igor ruled out for the season. Ferdi Kadioglu and James Milner also remain out of the fringe.
Brighton predicted lineup against Everton (4-2-3-1): Bugging; Veltman, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.
The injury front hasn’t changed much for Everton since their 3-2 win over Spurs and Moyes was able to name an unchanged starting XI on the south coast.
Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom, two summer signings, impressed on the right flank last weekend and were able to keep their respective spots.
The Toffees are confident James Garner and Dwight McNeil will be back in action before the end of the month, while Seamus Coleman is only dealing with a minor muscle problem. Tim Iroegbunam, Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti are all still out.
Everton predicted lineup against Brighton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkovsky, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert Lewin.
Everton have had recent success against Brighton, although they were beaten in the reverse fixture in August. They at least go into Saturday’s game with some rare positive momentum and the hosts’ defenders should continue to educate the visitors.
The Toffees played with swagger and verve against a vulnerable Tottenham last weekend and they shouldn’t expect to skyrocket through Brighton like they did the Lilywhites. Hurzeler’s side are tough to beat and their recent winning run will ensure they enter Saturday’s effort with fear.
Kaoru Mitoma has targeted the Toffees in recent meetings and the Japan international could inspire Brighton again this weekend.