David Moyes smiling next to a Brighton badge inset.
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Sat 23 August 2025 17:10, UK
Everton are finally set to host a competitive match at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium as they face Brighton in the Premier League.
David Moyes will be hoping his side can secure three points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, after Everton were beaten by Leeds United in the opening match.
The Toffees were poor at Elland Road, but they will hope that home advantage in their new stadium will help them pick up their first points and goals of the season.
Everton will come up against a Brighton side that drew with Fulham in their first match, and a much better performance will be needed.
Form Guide (including pre-season)
Everton: LLLDLL
Brighton: WWDWWD
Team News
Everton were forced into playing James Garner at left-back against Leeds as Vitaliy Mykolenko and Adam Aznou both missed the trip, but there is now hope that Aznou could feature as he faces a late fitness test.
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Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson and Jarrad Branthwaite are all still absent, leaving Moyes short of options in his back line.
For Brighton, Adam Webster and Solly March have both been ruled out, while summer signing Tom Watson is doubtful.
Carlos Baleba and Jack Hinshelwood are both fit and available for the game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite is still injured (Credit: Imago)
Predicted lineups
Everton could make a minimum of two changes as they look to get their attack firing, and this could see two new signings come in to start.
Loan signing Jack Grealish could come in on the left wing, with Iliman Ndiaye moving to the right, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could drop deeper, with Tim Iroegbunam dropping to the bench after disappointing at Elland Road.
Thierno Barry could also come in to start upfront after Beto’s poor performance against Leeds.
Everton: Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner, Gueye, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Grealish, Barry.
Brighton: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Baleba, O’Riley, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma.
How Everton could line up vs Brighton
How Everton could line up vs Brighton
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Brighton
Everton’s new look attack could take some time to gel, but with more quality in the team with Grealish, it is hoped that they can score for the first time after blanking against Leeds.
Brighton are not attacking with much fluidity either, and Everton will back themselves to keep a clean sheet at home in what could be another tight game.
Moyes will really need his side to pick up at least a point, while fans will want to win in what will be a significant game as the first at their new ground.
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