Sunday marks a new chapter in Everton Football Club’s storied history as they host their first competitive match at their stunning new home – Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The road to the banks of the royal blue Mersey has been long and arduous – not least because the club flirted with relegation and financial oblivion over recent seasons. But now that we are here, the hope is that it can be the catalyst for a bright new future.
That is certainly David Moyes’ wish as he attempts to build a side worthy of such a wonderful arena.
Of course, this is Everton, so it was never going to be plain sailing.
The summer rebuild is only partly completed, with Moyes missing out on some of his top targets. Injuries to key players have also left the squad threadbare.
It meant we saw the ridiculous sight of poor old James Garner, a right-footed central midfielder, playing at left-back against Leeds on Monday; centre-back Jake O’Brien still filling in on the right; and no recognised right-sided midfielder.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: David Moyes, Manager of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: David Moyes, Manager of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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The result was a fairly insipid performance, yielding just one shot on target. The penalty was dubious, to say the least, and came at a time when Everton were marginally the better side — but they did not deserve anything from the game.
News late on Friday that a deal had been agreed for Tyler Dibling calmed some Toffees’ nerves, but at least three new faces are needed before the deadline if they are to field a balanced team capable of coping with the rigours of a Premier League season.
The Opposition
Brighton head north still smarting from conceding a late equaliser in their opening-game draw with Fulham, but confident of maintaining their impressive recent record away at the Blues.
The Seagulls have won three and drawn one of their previous four trips, including a 3-0 victory on the opening day of last season — a result that could have been much, much worse for Everton.
They once again appear to have spent wisely on young prospects with potential, including Tom Watson for £10m from Sunderland, Diego Coppola for £9.5m from Verona, and Charalampos Kostoulas from Olympiakos for a little under £30m.
Then there are the existing players who terrorised Everton at Goodison last season, such as Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh.
Previous Meeting
Brighton 0-1 Everton, 25 January 2025
Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton - Premier League - American Express Stadium
Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images
Everton came away with a huge 1-0 away win at the start of 2025 and the beginning of the David Moyes revival. Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty proved decisive, though the day was marred by serious injuries to Orel Mangala - who would not play again that season - and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Adam Aznou has returned to training and could make his Everton debut, though he will require a late fitness test. That could see James Garner return to central midfield in place of Tim Iroegbunam.
Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson are still sidelined, meaning Michael Keane is likely to keep his place at centre-back and Jake O’Brien on the right.
Final Word
Like the final game at Goodison in May, there is a risk the occasion overshadows the match. But while the game against Southampton meant little, this one will go a long way toward shaping Everton’s early season. Building strong form at their new home is vital, and an early win would go a long way toward easing the transition.
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