Everton vs Brighton Predictions

• Everton lost just two of their final nine matches of the season
• Brighton won just one of their last 10 league fixtures
• The two sides settled for a 1-1 draw in this encounter last season

Toffees to continue strong home form

Everton are looking to put the troubles of their points deduction from last season behind them and they will feel confident in starting the new campaign with victory when they host Brighton at Goodison Park.

The Toffees won each of their final five home league matches last season to nil  – including an impressive 2-0 derby victory over Liverpool – while only the Reds, Arsenal and Manchester City conceded fewer goals in front of their own fans than Everton.

The Seagulls head into this new season under new management with Fabian Hurzeler taking over from Roberto De Zerbi and the German has his work cut out for him if he is to improve Brighton’s away form – with the East Sussex side winning just three times on the road in all competitions in 2024.

Everton would have finished level on points with Brighton had they not been deducted eight points and so Sean Dyche will be confident that they can take the game to the Seagulls. Two of their final four home matches last season saw the Toffees win 2-0 and a repeat of this scoreline could be in store.

Doucoure could open season account 

Everton were not prolific in front of goal last season but they have invested in the summer to help create more opportunities – notable Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille and Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli.

However, it may be one of the current crop of players that finds the back of the net this weekend and Malian international Abdoulaye Doucoure could be the one to drag the Toffees to victory.

The 31-year-old produced his joint-best scoring season with seven goals in the Premier League last time out and has excelled playing just behind the lone striker – usually Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Doucoure has been a vital cog in the Everton wheel ever since joining from Watford and he will be expected to have a starring role once again this season. Should a chance fall his way on Saturday, the midfielder will be expected to convert.