Brighton vs Everton tips and predictions: More pressure piled on toothless Toffees
Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi
Brighton will look to record rare back-to-back wins when they host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon (1500 GMT).
Everton’s weekend draw with Crystal Palace produced a disappointing performance and result, but it was enough to lift them out of the bottom three.
Sean Dyche and his players have come under renewed criticism for below-par performances as the outcome of their appeal and a further points deduction loom large.
Meanwhile, Brighton enjoyed putting five past Sheffield United at Bramall Lane for the second time in as many months after Mason Holgate’s early red card hurt the hosts.
Remarkably, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have alternated between winning and failing to across their last nine, scoring at least four goals in all five wins.
Back-to-back wins would feel like a breakthrough as the race for Europe heats up and despite having previous on this ground, Everton have won just one of their last 12.
Win or loss, goals have been a constant when the Seagulls are involved. There have been over 2.5 goals in seven of nine matches with the ball hitting the net 36 times.
Everton’s scoring has dried up recently but both teams have scored in each of the last four meetings, producing an average of 4.5 goals and providing no shortage of drama.
The touch paper has been lit early on in Albion games with 10 goals inside 30 minutes across their last nine, so that could be another angle to consider here.
Team news
Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, James Milner, Julio Enciso and Joao Pedro are ruled out due to injury.
Evan Ferguson has six goals this season and will deputise for Pedro, while Simon Adingra should start again after scoring a brace on the back of a starring role at the AFCON.
Arnaut Danjuma and Dele Alli have been ruled out but Seamus Coleman and Andre Gomes could be fit to return to the squad.
Key stats
- Brighton haven’t managed back-to-back wins since November but had won five of their last nine, scoring four or more goals in each
- Brighton are unbeaten in 11 matches at the AMEX Stadium
- Brighton have averaged 2.06 goals per game at home
- Everton are winless in five away matches, scoring once
- Everton’s only win in their last 12 was a 1-0 FA Cup win over Crystal Palace
- Everton stunned Brighton by winning 4-1 at the AMEX late last season
