Date and Time: 2nd January 2022 @7:30 PM IST
Venue: Goodison Park
Everton vs Brighton, where to watch?
India: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Everton vs Brighton Team News:
Everton:
Everton would have anticipated seeing Dominic Calvert-Lewin return for the match against Newcastle, but the likes of Salomon Rondon and Richarlison are still out with injuries. There is reason to be optimistic about Tom Davies’s fitness ahead of the Seagulls’ visit, but Andros Townsend and Yerry Mina are also expected to be present in the treatment room.
The identity of Everton’s COVID-affected squad members was not revealed, but Benitez will expect them to return for the start of the new year given the considerable time they will have for rest and rehabilitation after their absence.
Brighton:
When it comes to Brighton, Potter has no new problems to deal with after Wednesday’s encounter, but he is still concerned about the health of Leandro Trossard, who is now suffering from a tight hamstring. Jeremy Sarmiento, Lewis Dunk, and the COVID-positive Jurgen Locadia are all expected to miss the opening match of the season in 2022, and Welbeck’s late heroics may not be enough to prevent Neal Maupay from reclaiming his position in the final third.
However, Potter is likely to reserve most of his substitutions for the FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion on January 8. Enock Mwepu and Adam Webster are both considered strong candidates to be included in the starting lineup.
Everton vs Brighton Probable Playing XI:
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Branthwaite, Keane, Ben Godfrey; Allan, Doucoure, Andre Gomes; Demaray Gray, Calvert-Lewin, Gordon
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Tariq Lamptey, Veltman, Burn, Cucurella; Yves Bissouma, Mwepu; Mac Allister, Adam Lallana, March; Maupay
Everton vs Brighton Betting Predictions:
Match Betting: Everton Win (2.80)
Draw (3.10)
Brighton Win (2.70)
The One-Liner Explainer:
Even if Everton’s two-week vacation may work against them if rustiness is a factor, the club’s recent history at Goodison Park has not been kind to them. Everton’s chances of breaking through a staunch Seagull’s defence will be aided by the anticipated return of Calvert-Lewin, and we are confident in the Toffees’ ability to grab the odd goal and get their season off to a flying start in 2022.
