Everton travel to the South Coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend.
Sean Dyche’s side are in search of their first win of 2024 after being held by Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Monday evening.
The Toffees will be hoping for a repeat of their 2023 performance at the Amex, with Everton running out 5-1 winners.
Talking ahead of the game, Dyche revealed the latest on the injury front.
“Seamus was ill earlier in the week; he was back in today – he still sounds a little bit groggy, but he’s the pro he is,” he said (Everton’s official website).
“Arnie [Danjuma] is working very hard to get fit, André [Gomes] is working very hard to get fit.
“The others are more or less okay. Mykolenko took a knock but we’re hopeful he will be alright.
“Everyone else is okay. We had to monitor [Docuoure’s] minutes [against Crystal Palace], of course, but he’s been out there training today.”
With Brighton in slightly indifferent form, there’s an opportunity to register what would be a massive three points.
And Chris Sutton has had his say in his weekly BBC predictions ahead of the game.
Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton v Brighton
Everton’s gameplan worked a treat last time, and Brighton’s expansive style could present opportunities in the final third.
That’s the view of Sutton who has backed Dyche’s side replicate their 2023 heroics.
“This was the game at the end of last season where Everton absolutely demolished Brighton,” he said.
“Sean Dyche’s side were brilliant that night, and their win went a long way towards keeping them up.
Everton badly needs a repeat of that result this time, too.
“Although they have drawn three of their past four games, they haven’t won in the Premier League since 16 December.”
On the result, the former Celtic forward believes Everton will run out 2-1 winners.
“Brighton have been back in the goals recently after a spell at the start of the year where they could not score, but I am going to back Everton to nick this one,” he added.
“They will have the same game plan they used when they beat the Seagulls in May, which is to defend deep and counter-attack quickly. If it works again, they will win. 1-2.”
Can Everton register their first 2024 win on Saturday?
It’s a bold prediction from Sutton, but there is some logic.
Since 27 January, the Seagulls have gone on a run of consecutive wins and losses, having demolished Sheffield United 5-0 in their last fixture.
They could lose this clash if the form has anything to do with it.
Furthermore, Roberto De Zerbi’s expansive style could suit the Toffees’ game plan. Everton are more than happy to sit deep and relinquish possession.
If Dyche’s men can maintain their impressive defensive record, there’s no reason why they can’t hurt the hosts on the counterattack.
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