Big Match Preview: Toffees To Come Unstuck Against Brighton?

Tuesday, 3 January 2023 12:50

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Brighton and Hove Albion will look to bounce back from defeat against Arsenal when they travel to Goodison Park to face struggling Everton tonight (Tuesday).

The Toffees come into the game in high spirits following a hard fought draw at Manchester City's Etihad stadium on New Year's Eve.

They came from behind courtesy of Demarai Gray's wonderstrike, which secured a 1-1 draw against the champions.

It was champions-elect for Albion, with the Gunners delivering an impressive display at the Amex to win an exciting match 4-2.

Despite the defeat, the Seagulls played well in patches against the league leaders, with the impressive Kaoru Mitoma once again proving a handful.

It all means that Brighton sit comfortably in the mid-table melee, while Everton are just above the relegation zone.

Credit: Soccer Stats

Historically, the two sides have met on 21 occasions, with Everton taking the spoils 10 times, Brighton five and the other six games ending in draws.

Last season saw the Merseysiders win 2-0 at the Amex, with Albion avenging that defeat by coming out 3-2 winners at Goodison Park.

Injury and suspension news

Everton are without suspended midfielder Amadou Onana, who picked up his fifth booking of the season at Man City, while Frank Lampard will make a late call on Anthony Gordon who missed the New Year's Eve draw with illness.

Brighton, meanwhile, are likely to be without Danny Welbeck and Adam Webster again.

World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is available and should return to the side following an extended break, while Moises Caicedo is back in contention following suspension.

Possible line-ups

Everton (5-4-1):

Brighton (4-3-2-1):

Prediction: Everton 1 -1 Brighton

Brighton's lack of firepower in the absence of Danny Welbeck could come back to haunt them, with attacking players the priority in the January transfer window.

They should have enough to snatch a point against inconsistent Everton.