Brighton vs Everton: Preview, Predictions, Team News, and Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion faces Everton in a crucial Premier League match at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The two teams are separated by a mere three points, with Brighton sitting in 12th position and Everton in 10th.
Match Preview
Brighton has won seven, drawn nine, and lost seven of their 23 league matches this season. Since December, only Burnley and Wolves have amassed fewer points than Brighton, who have only secured one victory in their last ten league games. Their recent form includes a solitary win, five draws, and four losses.
In their last outing, Brighton battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth after a mixed start to the year that included a 2-0 win over Burnley and a loss to Fulham. The Seagulls have struggled defensively, conceding over half of their goals this season during the first half of matches.
Brighton’s Home Advantage
Brighton has been formidable at home, picking up 20 of their 30 points at the Amex Stadium. They have lost only once in 11 home matches. However, they haven’t beaten Everton in their last five league encounters at home, with two draws and three losses.
Everton’s Form and Challenges
Everton’s recent performances have been inconsistent, with two wins, three draws, and three losses in their last eight matches. After a notable 1-0 victory against Aston Villa, they managed only a draw against Leeds United.
The Toffees are currently in a better position than their previous form suggests. They sit closely behind Liverpool in the standings, battling for a potential European spot.
Defensive Strength
Everton has shown improvement in their away defensive play, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches on the road. They will look to build on this strength as they try to complete a league double over Brighton for only the second time in their history.
Team News
- Brighton: Solly March, Adam Webster, and Stefanos Tzimas are sidelined with long-term injuries.
- Diego Gomez is doubtful due to a minor issue.
- Olivier Boscagli may be replaced by Maxim De Cuyper at left-back.
- Everton: Jack Grealish is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a foot fracture.
- Michael Keane is back from suspension and expected to return to defense.
- Tim Iroegbunam and Carlos Alcaraz are both assessed as doubtful.
Possible Lineups
| Brighton | Everton |
|---|---|
| Verbruggen | Pickford |
| Kadioglu, Dunk, Van Hecke, De Cuyper | O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko |
| Ayari, Gross | Gueye, Garner |
| Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma | Ndiaye, Armstrong, McNeil |
| Welbeck | Barry |
Prediction
This match could end in a tight draw, as Brighton and Everton have had several closely contested battles in recent years. Both teams have shown tendencies to struggle in front of goal at times this season.
With Brighton eager to climb into the top half and Everton looking to maintain pressure for European places, expect a competitive fixture. A final score of 1-1 seems a plausible outcome.
