As the Premier League season kicks off, Everton’s last-ever league opener at Goodison Park before their move to a new, state-of-the-art home next year is set to be a momentous occasion. The Toffees, buoyed by a solid pre-season and key summer transfers, will look to make a strong statement in this final match at their historic ground.
Everton’s Pre-Season Form and Squad Changes
Everton heads into this significant match with a sense of optimism. Their pre-season form has been impressive, featuring a 3-0 triumph over Preston North End, a 6-0 behind-closed-doors victory against Motherwell, and a respectable 1-1 draw with Serie A giants Roma. These results have boosted their confidence, and Sean Dyche will be eager to see his side carry this momentum into the league opener.
The Toffees’ transfer activity has been noteworthy. Midfielder Amadou Onana’s departure to Aston Villa was a significant loss, but the arrival of center-back Jake O’Brien from Lyon could bolster Everton’s defensive capabilities. Dyche will hope these changes will strengthen his squad, especially as they aim to avoid a third consecutive opening matchday defeat—a stark contrast to their previous decade-long unbeaten record in season openers.
Brighton’s Transition and New Leadership
Brighton, on the other hand, is entering the new season with its own set of expectations. Despite a challenging end to last season under Roberto De Zerbi, the Seagulls have had a productive pre-season under their new head coach, Fabian Hürzeler. The 31-year-old German has already made a mark by guiding Brighton to four consecutive pre-season victories.
Hürzeler’s appointment as the youngest permanent manager in Premier League history brings a fresh perspective to Brighton. The Seagulls’ recent record in opening fixtures is commendable, having won their last three league openers. Another victory here would see them achieve a historic fourth successive opening-day win.
Key Players to Watch
For Everton, midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré is a player to keep an eye on. Known for his combative style, Doucouré tends to get involved in the thick of the action against Brighton, often picking up yellow cards in encounters with the Seagulls.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh is also a key figure to watch. The former Feyenoord player has been in scintillating form, scoring four goals in his last five matches over the summer. His attacking prowess could pose a significant threat to Everton’s defense.
Hot Stat
An intriguing stat to consider is that the team scoring first has never lost a Premier League encounter between Everton and Brighton (W10, D3). This trend could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this fixture.
Prediction
Given Everton’s strong pre-season and the emotional significance of their final match at Goodison Park, they are likely to come out with a determined performance. However, Brighton’s recent form and new management suggest they will be a formidable opponent. The clash promises to be closely contested, with Everton potentially having the edge due to home advantage.
Score Prediction: Everton 2-1 Brighton
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