Sean Dyche will target a third consecutive win in all competition when Everton host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Everton fans have not had the privilege of watching their team win back-to-back games too often, but Sean Dyche will aim for a third consecutive win at the weekend against Brighton & Hove Albion. Their midweek victory over Dyche’s former side, Burnley, saw them progress into the next round of the EFL Cup. But last Saturday’s triumph over West Ham United carried more importance.
A solitary strike from Dominic Calvert-Lewin early in the second half proved enough to take all three points at the London Stadium. Yet, Everton’s position remains on the periphery of the relegation zone, as Dyche will aim to put daylight between his side and those languishing in the bottom three.
"The work ethic tonight was tremendous – that is an important factor. We are beginning to build here." 💪
Sean Dyche's post-match reaction: pic.twitter.com/F8FaIBAYsf
— Everton (@Everton) November 1, 2023
Hence, a win appears imperative for Dyche and Everton, as they face a Brighton side struggling to stay relevant in their objectives. The Toffees must target another victory, as they will face some notable challenges in the next matchdays, especially the three home games against Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea, with an away trip to rivals Nottingham Forest in between.
Roberto De Zerbi will rue his side’s inconsistent performances as the Seagulls dropped more points last weekend. After they went on a five-game winless streak across all competition, Brighton momentarily recovered with a win over Ajax in the Europa League.
Brighton could not capitalise on that performance as they dropped two more points last weekend in that eventful draw against Fulham. The Seagulls held on to a narrow first-half lead through an Evan Ferguson strike but succumbed to the pressure as Joao Palhinha stuck an equaliser around the 65-minute mark.
Owing to some terrible performances from Manchester United, Brighton remained in 7th position on the table. But De Zerbi would want his side to start achieving their objectives. After an excellent start to the season coined them to fight for a top-four place, they are already trailing 4th placed Liverpool by six points. Hence, Brighton need a motivating victory over Everton, as their manager will demand nothing less from his players.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Sean Dyche does not have too many problems with his squad. The only players missing are Andre Gomes, Dele Alli and Seamus Coleman. The latter has begun his recovery from a severe injury and will feature for the Under-21 side.
Seamus Coleman is expected to feature for #EFCU21 this weekend as he continues his recovery from injury.@wearfigs 🔵 #EVEBHA pic.twitter.com/jXtHyWq3cZ
— Everton (@Everton) November 2, 2023
Everton will also have Ashley Young in their squad after the veteran missed the clash with West Ham United, owing to a suspension. The experienced star started and scored against Burnley as Dyche could select him instead of Nathan Patterson, who did impress against the Hammers.
Hence, there is a big chance of Dyche naming a similar side that have got him results, with Young the only change from the Hammers game. Amadou Onana and James Garner will continue their partnership in midfield with support from Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil from the wide areas.
James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite will continue their partnership in central defence, with Vitaliy Mykolenko completing the back four. Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not harmed his starting spot as he will continue to lead the line instead of Beto, with Abdoulaye Doucoure sitting right behind the No.9.
Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Young, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi continues to make selections with plenty of key players still out of contention. Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder are still some way out before returning to training. Full-backs Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan have returned to the squad, but there are doubts about whether the manager will select either.
Looking sharp! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/wqrYWL1j1Q
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) November 3, 2023
De Zerbi opted for a back three in the game against Fulham. With the manager unlikely to risk one of Lamptey or Estupinan, he might stick to that setup for the Everton game. Hence, he might go with Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Igor Julio, with Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra playing as wing-backs.
After signing a new deal, Jason Steele will likely get the nod between the sticks over Bart Verbruggen. In central midfield, De Zerbi might stick with Carlos Baleba and Mahmoud Dahoud, with Billy Gilmour an option off the bench. As for the attack, the manager might keep Joao Pedro and Pascal Gross in advanced roles, with Evan Ferguson leading the line for the Seagulls.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Steele; Webster, Dunk, Igor; Adingra, Baleba, Dahoud, Mitoma; Pedro, Gross; Ferguson
Key Stats
- Everton have won their last three games in all competitions.
- Everton have seen over 2.5 goals in their last three home matches against Brighton in all competitions.
- Brighton are now without a Premier League victory in 4 matches.
- Brighton have scored at least two goals in their last three away matches against Everton in all competitions.
- Brighton have not kept a clean sheet in their last eight away games.
Player to Watch
Kaoru Mitoma
🔵🇯🇵 De Zerbi on Mitoma: "I have no words left for Mitoma. He's really underrated but trust me, he's so so underrated. The world of football hasn't understood the value of Mitoma".
"He can be an incredible player for any manager, not just for me. He's insane". pic.twitter.com/joOpyKUvuv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2023
After a solid start to the season, things have gone a bit sideways for Mitoma in recent weeks. His dip in form has coincided with that of the team. The Japanese winger must recover and return to his best, as Brighton are steadily losing grip over a potential top-four challenge.
The game against Everton will particularly prove tricky for Mitoma, mainly due to their organised and disciplined structure at the back. Hence, the winger will have to relish the challenge of getting past this stubborn setup, and if he does, it will only serve as a confidence booster.
Prediction
Everton 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion
Roberto De Zerbi’s side played some sensational attacking football at the start of the season, but the goals have dried up recently. The Italian manager particularly relishes tough challenges, and Everton, with their stubbornness, will make that happen.
With Sean Dyche’s side keen to continue their recent run of good results, Everton will make themselves tighter in areas that Brighton will look to exploit. Overall, this game could end in an entertaining draw with plenty of goals to look forward to.
