August 24, 2025, will be a day to remember for Everton fans: the Toffees will play their first Premier League match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the new ground that has replaced the historic Goodison Park. Their opponent in this second-round clash will be Brighton, coached by Fabian Hurzeler. David Moyes’ men are eager to bounce back after a poor start to the season, losing 1-0 away to Leeds in the opening match. Despite the narrow scoreline, Everton never looked dangerous and were dominated for the entire 90 minutes. The Scottish manager’s main task is now to restore confidence, integrate the many summer signings, and improve on last season’s 13th-place finish. Playing at their brand-new stadium could bring a fresh boost, especially with new arrivals like Barry and Dewsbury-Hall injecting optimism on Merseyside. Brighton, meanwhile, come to Hill Dickinson Stadium frustrated after letting a win slip away against Fulham in stoppage time. O’Riley’s penalty had given them the lead, but Rodrigo Muniz equalized in the 97th minute, leaving the Seagulls with just one point. After selling star forward Joao Pedro but investing in young talents, Brighton aim to be one of the surprise packages of this Premier League season—provided they avoid dropping points as they did at the Falmer Stadium last weekend.

Everton's recent form and key stats

After a disastrous pre-season in which they failed to win any of their six friendlies, Everton continued their struggles with a 1-0 defeat against Leeds in their Premier League opener. Even in their last friendly against Roma (0-1 loss), the Toffees showed the same lack of attacking threat that persisted at Elland Road.

With goals from Beto and Barry still missing, Everton will try to rely on their strong home record, having lost just one of their last nine Premier League matches at home. In terms of absentees, Moyes will be without defender Branthwaite, while full-back Mykolenko remains doubtful. Jack Grealish could start, called upon to prove his worth after falling out of favour at Manchester City.

Brighton's recent form and key stats

Thanks to their draw against Fulham last weekend, Brighton extended their unbeaten Premier League run to six matches (including the final stretch of last season). Pre-season results and their first league game suggest a solid attacking output—averaging two goals per game—and a decent defensive record, with two clean sheets in six matches.

Away from home, Hurzeler’s team ended last season strongly with wins against Wolves and Tottenham. To keep that momentum, the young German coach will have to do without injured players like Enciso, March, and Webster. The main tactical doubt remains up front, with Rutter slightly favored over Welbeck to start.

Everton vs Brighton prediction and tactical overview

This looks set to be a balanced encounter, but Brighton appear more likely to come away with a positive result from Hill Dickinson Stadium. History is also on their side, as the Seagulls are unbeaten in their last four Premier League trips to Everton.

In fact, just over a year ago, on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, Brighton claimed a 3-0 win at Goodison Park with goals from Mitoma, Welbeck, and Adingra. Everton’s last home victory against Brighton dates back to the 2020/21 season.

Considering current form, Brighton look sharper and more cohesive than Everton. That’s why the BetMines algorithm leans towards Double Chance X2 (draw or away win) as the most reliable betting prediction.

• Everton vs Brighton Prediction from BetMines: Home win (1) probability 31%
  
  
• Everton vs Brighton Prediction from BetMines: Double Chance X2 probability 68%

Probable lineups Everton vs Brighton

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry. Coach: David Moyes

BRIGHTON (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, O’Riley, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma. Coach: Fabian Hurzeler