Chris Sutton looks at Everton’s clash with Brighton at the Amex Stadium tomorrow.
The Toffees travel to Brighton tomorrow looking to pick up another three points on the road. Indeed, our away record has been superb this season, with five wins and two draws.
Thierno Barry has been in fine form of late, with four goals in his last five league games. The return of key players is also a significant boost for David Moyes.
Indeed, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite returned from injury for Monday’s game against Leeds. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are also available once more, after their success at AFCON.
However, the Toffees will be without Jack Grealish, with the 30-year-old potentially unavailable for the rest of the campaign.
Despite Grealish’s absence, Sutton insists Everton will get ‘at least a point’ on the South Coast tomorrow.
He said: “Jack Grealish‘s absence is a big blow for Everton but at least Iliman Ndiaye is back to provide some creativity – and the best news of all for Everton is Thierno Barry has found his shooting boots.
“The Toffees’ away record this season is pretty good – they have only been beaten once on the road since 18 October and have picked up more points away (17) than they have at home (16), despite playing one game fewer.
“They usually do pretty well at Amex Stadium too, and I think they will get at least a point here for what would be the sixth season running.”
CAN THE BLUES KEEP UP IMPRESSIVE AWAY FORM AT BRIGHTON?
We go into the game just three points ahead of Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who are without a win in three league games.
Michael Keane will be available for selection after serving his three-match ban for supposed violent conduct. However, Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam remain sidelined.
As the end of the month approaches, so does the end of the January transfer window. Indeed, Everton’s trip to Brighton is the final fixture before the window closes.
Ideally, we’ll see a fresh face or two in time for next week’s trip to Fulham. However, based on Moyes’ comments this afternoon, that seems unlikely.
Three points tomorrow would be the ideal tonic after what has been an immensely frustrating week.