Build up to the match
Despite splashing the cash last summer and spending almost £200-million on players, Everton currently find themselves in 17th place after seven games in the league, level on points with their opponents on Sunday, Brighton and Hove Albion. Can Everton live up to their favourites tag in this fixture and win against the Seagulls?
Match Information
Kickoff: Sunday, 15th October 2017, 1:30PM local time
Venue: The American Express Community Stadium, East Sussex, England
Team News
Brighton won’t be able to count on the services of Dutch midfielder Davy Propper come Sunday, with the club’s summer signing sidelined through injury. The same goes for the likes of veteran Steve Sidwell, Israel international Beram Kayal, and striker Stephen Baldock. Kayal’s compatriot, Tomer Hemed, is also out due to suspension.
Everton have a long injury list, which would certainly give manager Ronald Koeman a headache. The Toffees boss won’t be able to call up pacey winger Aaron Lennon, crafty midfielder Ross Barkley, and trusted captain Phil Jagielka. Strong midfielders Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy are also unavailable for selection. Yannick Bolasie is also out with injury.
Form
Brighton & Hove Albion
L-W-L-W-D
Brighton have only won two of their last five league games, but would take comfort in the fact those two wins came from their home games. Indeed, the Seagulls have only lost once at home this season and as such they’ll definitely be confident of getting another good result when they face the Toffees in front of their fans come Sunday.
Everton
L-W-L-L-L
The Toffees have had a difficult start to the campaign and their recent string of losses can be seen as understandable. They’ve already come up with all of their top six rivals since the season began and have only won once in their last five matches. Now, they are given relatively easier opposition and it’s up to them to pick themselves up and go back to winning ways.
Match Prediction
The main question in this match will be if Everton have enough confidence in themselves to see this game through. Indeed, after four losses in five games, morale will definitely be low among the Toffees ranks. This game would be hard to call, but expect Everton to get something out of the game.
Brighton 1-1 Everton