‘Another tough challenge’ – Michael Owen predicts winner in Everton clash v Brighton
Michael Owen has backed Everton to continue their 100% record in the Premier League against Brighton on Saturday.
The Liverpool legend has predicted the Toffees will win and keep a clean sheet at Goodison Park, despite conceding in their last two.
Brighton have only won one of their games this season, against Newcastle, but they did lose close clashes with both Chelsea and Manchester United.
Writing in his weekly BetVictor predictions column, Owen claimed Everton will just have too much quality for the away side.
“Brighton have been great to watch so far this season,” he wrote.
“They showed glimpses of what that they can do when going down fighting in the season opener against Chelsea. They were again unlucky to leave empty-handed against Manchester United.
“Everton pose another tough challenge here. Carlo Ancelotti laid the foundations last season before acquiring some class in the summer, and it’s starting to pay dividends. As likeable as Brighton are, I’m taking the Toffees to win.”
Much of Everton’s success this season has come through their new-look midfield, which in turn has given their front two a new lease of life in Merseyside.
A big problem facing Carlo Ancelotti is that Allan limped off against West Ham in the cup in midweek, and could be a doubt for the clash with the Seagulls.
That would compromise the Toffees defensively, and work against Owen’s prediction of them keeping a clean-sheet.
No matter how many they concede, we would back the front three of James Rodriguez, Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to outscore any team right now, and that is the mountain facing Brighton in this one.
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