Everton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – Prediction and Betting Tips | Aug 17, 2024
The Premier League returns to Goodison Park as Everton hosts Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening fixture of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 3 PM UK time. This match marks the first competitive game for Brighton’s new head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, and the beginning of Everton’s final season at their historic home before moving to a new stadium. Both teams will be eager to start the season on the right foot after an eventful summer.
Match Significance
For Everton, this match is not just the beginning of a new season but also the start of an emotional farewell to Goodison Park. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the Toffees will be determined to make a strong start under Sean Dyche, who will want to stabilize the team early on. Brighton, on the other hand, begins a new chapter under the youngest manager in Premier League history, Fabian Hurzeler. The Seagulls, who finished 11th last season, will look to build on their success and make a statement in their opening game.
Location and Time
The match will take place at Goodison Park, Everton’s historic home ground, known for its passionate fan base and unique atmosphere. The 3 PM kick-off on Saturday afternoon provides the perfect setting for what promises to be a competitive Premier League clash.
Additional Tidbit
This season opener is also a significant milestone for Brighton, as Hurzeler becomes the youngest manager in Premier League history at just 31 years old. With four wins from four pre-season matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Villarreal, Brighton will be confident heading into this fixture, especially considering their unbeaten run in the last three away meetings with Everton.
Team Analysis
Everton
Everton had a turbulent 2023-24 campaign, narrowly avoiding relegation despite an eight-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Sean Dyche, who guided them through the chaos, will now be focusing on stabilizing the club and ensuring a much smoother season. The Toffees’ pre-season was mixed, with one win, two draws, and two losses, including a 1-1 draw against Roma.
Current Form
Everton’s recent form has been inconsistent, and they come into this match having lost their opening Premier League fixture in each of the last two seasons. However, with a final season at Goodison Park ahead, they will be motivated to start strong and put last season’s struggles behind them. The team’s pre-season showed both strengths and weaknesses, and Sean Dyche will be looking to iron out any issues as the new season begins.
Key Players
Everton will rely heavily on their experienced players, such as James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, to provide stability at the back. New signings like Jesper Lindstrom and Tim Iroegbunam are expected to bring fresh energy to the midfield, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be key to leading the attack. The fitness and form of Calvert-Lewin, in particular, will be crucial to Everton’s fortunes this season.
Tactical Approach
Sean Dyche is known for his pragmatic and organized approach, often focusing on a solid defensive setup and exploiting set-pieces. Everton will likely set up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to keep things tight at the back and build from there. With the home crowd behind them, they will look to press Brighton high and capitalize on any mistakes.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton enters the new season under the management of Fabian Hurzeler, who has already made an impact in pre-season. The Seagulls were impressive, winning all four of their warm-up matches, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into the Premier League. Brighton finished 11th last season under Roberto De Zerbi, and Hurzeler will be aiming to at least match, if not improve upon, that performance.
Current Form
Brighton’s pre-season form has been excellent, with the team scoring 14 goals and conceding just three in four matches. This strong form has set a positive tone for the start of the season, and Hurzeler’s side will be confident heading into their opener against Everton.
Key Players
Brighton’s squad has seen some changes over the summer, with the departure of club legend Pascal Gross and the arrival of several new signings. Mats Wieffer, Joao Pedro, and club-record signing Yankuba Minteh are among the key players expected to feature. Minteh, in particular, impressed in pre-season, and his attacking threat will be one to watch. Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck will also play pivotal roles in Brighton’s forward line.
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Tactical Approach
Hurzeler is expected to continue Brighton’s attacking style of play, focusing on quick transitions and fluid movement in the final third. The Seagulls are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with an emphasis on controlling the midfield and creating chances through their wingers. With their solid pre-season behind them, Brighton will look to impose themselves on the game and exploit any weaknesses in Everton’s defense.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Historically, Everton has had the upper hand in this fixture, particularly at Goodison Park. However, Brighton has been more successful in recent years, going unbeaten in their last three visits to Everton. Last season, both matches between these sides ended in 1-1 draws, highlighting how closely matched they have become.
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Tactical Analysis
Everton’s Approach
Everton will likely focus on defensive solidity and looking to break quickly when the opportunity arises. Sean Dyche may set his team up to frustrate Brighton and hit them on the counter-attack, using the physical presence of Calvert-Lewin and the pace of the wingers to cause problems.
Brighton’s Approach
Brighton will aim to dominate possession and create chances through their wide players. Hurzeler’s side will be confident in their ability to control the game, but they will need to be wary of Everton’s threat on the break. The battle in midfield will be key, with Brighton looking to outplay Everton and create opportunities for their forwards.
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(Odds are taken from bet365 and are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.T&Cs apply, 18+)
Prediction
Score Forecast
Given Brighton’s strong pre-season form and Everton’s struggles, the Seagulls might have the edge in this fixture. However, playing at Goodison Park in their final season there could give Everton an extra boost.
Both Teams to Score: Yes, as both teams have the potential to find the back of the net.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5, considering Brighton’s attacking form and Everton’s vulnerabilities in defense.
First Goal Scorer: Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion), given his experience and eye for goal.
Hot Stat: Brighton has won their opening Premier League game in each of the last three seasons.
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