Everton are set to welcome just under 52,000 fans for the Hill Dickinson Stadium’s opener against Brighton.
A landmark moment for the club as the new stadium welcomes an exciting chapter.
Brighton will be the first opponents to have the pleasure of being a part of this era, but all David Moyes will want is the three points.
Everton need to find their ‘energy’, which Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler praised, as there were no signs of that against Leeds United.
There might be a worry against Brighton, but Premier League history has handed Everton a potential advantage.
Everton fans in the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Only one club has lost opening game at new stadium in the Premier League giving Everton a boost
To leave Goodison Park behind is emotional for every Evertonian, but there’s no denying the new ground is a thing of beauty.
There might be early signs though that Moyes’ side will be able to get a result, as Hill Dickinson’s debut bodes well.
Just one of the 10 clubs to have played at two different permanent home grounds in the Premier League have lost their first game at their new stadium, with Southampton the only side to do so.
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The trend looks to be that there is added atmosphere for the first game, and Everton can reveal the true meaning of the 12th man vs Brighton.
Everton have a surprise tifo for fans, which could give them that added chance against the Seagulls, and it can become a theme throughout this campaign.
Goodison Park spirit can help Everton have excellent home form this season
It’s obviously going to be difficult to replicate what Goodison brought to the club, but Everton fans have a different energy about them.
With the Hill Dickinson designed to be closer to the pitch, this should give the feel of the Grand Old Lady, as Gary Lineker has been impressed by Everton’s new stadium.
Adding to why a loss might seem more unlikely as well is Moyes’ Premier League home record since his return, as although there were plenty of draws, they didn’t lose much, but he must start turning these into wins.
Won 3
Drawn 5
Lost 3
David Moyes’ Premier League home form with Everton since returning
The fans can only do so much, but Goodison’s spirit can live on, and judging by the ongoing trend in the Premier League, Everton should be full of confidence.