David Moyes and Jack Grealish looking happy
(Credit: Imago)
Josh Edwards
Fri 22 August 2025 13:10, UK
Jack Grealish could be the difference-maker for Everton against Brighton.
Optimism levels were high on Merseyside after the end of the last campaign, though they quickly came crashing down after Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds United on Monday night.
Everton were woeful at Elland Road, to put it straight, and much of it stemmed from the lack of attacking threat that was posed by David Moyes’ side.
Both Grealish and Thierno Barry were named on the bench for that encounter, though the pair could start when Everton host Brighton at the weekend, and the former will have a massive role to play.
Jack Grealish in Everton kit
Grealish needs to start for Everton vs Brighton (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
Jack Grealish has only lost once vs Brighton
While the Toffees have done some smart business this summer, the arrival of Grealish at Everton is certainly the one that has sparked the most excitement.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
Pep Guardiola previously labelled the Englishman as an “exceptional” talent, and praise from the Spaniard holds just about as much value as anyone in the footballing world.
As for Grealish, he has featured 11 times against the Seagulls over the last nine years of his career, and has lost just once, with that defeat coming for Aston Villa back in 2020.
That means he’s unbeaten against Brighton over the past five years.
6 wins
4 draws
1 loss
8 Premier League fixtures
2 Championship fixtures
1 Carabao Cup fixture
In those games, Grealish has scored four and assisted two, and if Everton are to get their first win of the season, he needs to be in the team from the start.
It may have to be a slight witch up from Moyes, but it could see Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall drop into a deeper role, with Tim Iroegbunam then making way for Grealish in one of the various attacking positions he can play.
David Moyes applauds fans Everton
Moyes transformed Everton last season (Credit: Imago)
How have Everton fared vs Brighton in the past?
This weekend’s encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will be the 28th time these two sides have faced off against each other, and Everton have come out on top the most.
Dating all the way back to 1913, Everton have won 12 of the fixtures with Brighton, losing seven of them and drawing the remaining eight.
The last encounter finished in a 1-0 away win for the Toffees, courtesy of an Iliman Ndiaye penalty on the stroke of half-time.
While Grealish will have a huge say in this weekend’s result, Ndiaye will be looking to inflict more damage on the Seagulls and help Everton secure their first three points of the season.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts