Everton know exactly how to beat Brighton after their 5-1 win last season.
Writing for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton believes the Toffees will go with the same approach that saw them claim a surprise victory over the Seagulls in May.
Everton will be looking to continue their upturn in form tomorrow afternoon as they host Brighton in the Premier League, having won five of their last five matches in all competitions.
The Toffees had previously endured a pretty horrific record at Goodison Park, though they have now claimed maximum points from their previous two games on home soil.
Meanwhile, Brighton have been rather up-and-down as they keep one eye on the Europa League. Roberto De Zerbi’s side haven’t won in the top flight since September, but claimed an impressive point against Liverpool last month and also enjoyed a brilliant victory over Ajax in their third group stage fixture.
Everton where thrashed 4-1 in this fixture last season, however it was only six months ago that they put five past Brighton on the south coast. The Toffees put on a brilliant display as Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dwight McNeil bagged them a huge three points.
Sutton is confident that Everton will use the same ‘blueprint’ on Merseyside this weekend and has predicted a 2-1 win to Dyche’s side.
“I was at the Amex Stadium in May when Everton stunned Brighton with a 5-1 win that went a long way to keeping them up last season,” Sutton said.
“If you want a blueprint for beating Brighton, it is the way Everton beat them then – they were absolutely superb on the counter-attack.
“The Toffees’ home form has been poor this season but they did beat Burnley in the EFL Cup in midweek and, generally, their recent performances everywhere have been decent. They have definitely improved and maybe even turned a corner compared to a few weeks ago.
“Brighton won 4-1 the last time they came to Goodison Park, in January, but that was in the final days of Frank Lampard’s time in charge.
“I’m expecting Sean Dyche to take the same approach as he did in May, and look to hit Brighton on the break again.
“He won’t compromise, even though his side are at home this time, and neither will Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi in the way his team always plays.
“Like Burnley, Brighton don’t keep clean sheets – although they will probably both get one now – so I am going with Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make the difference for Everton.
“If I am totally honest, though, I don’t have a clue how this one will go.”
Can Everton beat Brighton this weekend?
While Brighton have been notoriously hard to beat this year, Everton are probably playing them at a really good time.
The Seagulls have taken only two points from their last four league games and also have a trip to Ajax next week to think about. The likes of Pervis Estupinan, Danny Welbeck and Solly March are also sidelined.
Another solid performance for Everton could see them ease to victory here, but it definitely won’t be easy.
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