A new era begins for Everton as they look to start life at their new stadium with a win in their first match against Brighton & Hove Albion
Everton's Scottish manager David Moyes gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on August 18, 2025.
David Moyes is aiming for more transfers this summer
(Image: Darren Staples / AFP)
Everton usher in a new chapter as they host Brighton & Hove Albion for their first home match at the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking the end of their long and storied tenure at Goodison Park. David Moyes’ side faced a tough test in their season opener, traveling to Elland Road to take on a Leeds United team returning to the Premier League. As is often the case in this league, fine margins made the difference; Leeds clinched victory with an 84th-minute penalty after James Tarkowski was penalized for handball in the box.
The opening fixture saw Everton introduce Thierno Barry and Jack Grealish from the bench, with both players expected to be in the starting lineup against Brighton this weekend.
Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, have managed to fend off Manchester United’s advances for Carlos Baleba during the summer transfer window, despite losing Joao Pedro to Chelsea before the FIFA Club World Cup. The Seagulls began their campaign with a frustrating home draw against Fulham, conceding an injury-time equalizer from Rodrigo Muniz that denied Fabian Hurzeler’s side all three points.
As Everton prepare to welcome Brighton to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, there’s every chance the Seagulls could spoil the celebrations. The Toffees are currently winless in their last seven matches, following their late defeat at Leeds. While David Moyes is gradually regaining some key players, their previous outing highlighted a significant issue: a lack of balance in the squad.
Jake O’Brien’s stint at right back underscored the need for a natural player in that position, while James Garner struggled to provide an attacking threat after being shifted to left back. If Everton line up similarly, Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma—who scored against Everton last season—could take advantage.
Brighton arrive in fine form, unbeaten in their last ten matches and having scored first in each of their previous five games. This fixture has a history of goals at both ends, with both teams scoring in five of the last seven encounters between the sides.
Everton vs Brighton Odds
Everton - 2/1
Draw - 9/4
Brighton - 11/8
Everton vs Brighton Betting Tips
Brighton/Draw - 2/5
Kaoru Mitoma to score anytime - 18/5
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