Mark Lawrenson predicts Everton to draw with Brighton despite praising away form
Everton have failed to win in four matches and Mark Lawrenson believes that run will continue on Sunday.
The BBC pundit predicts the Toffees will draw 1-1 at Brighton, despite Carlo Ancelotti’s men hammering them 4-2 in the match at Goodison Park earlier this season.
Lawrenson even pointed out Everton’s strong away record but still thinks Brighton will get something from the game.
“Brighton played really well at Old Trafford for long periods but still somehow ended up empty-handed – the second time that has happened to them this season against Manchester United,” Lawrenson said on the BBC Sport website.
“The Seagulls are still six points above the relegation zone, but they should really have a lot more breathing space on the back of their recent performances.
“This is another big test for them, because Everton appear a totally different proposition on the road compared to at Goodison Park, where they keep on dropping points.
“Even a draw would be a good result for Brighton in their current situation, but they really need to get something out of this one whether they play well or not.”
Away form
Lawrenson is correct in suggesting Everton are a different outfit away from home so it is rather puzzling that he has not predicted us to win.
We put four past Brighton earlier in the campaign and the three points never looked in doubt on that occasion.
And on several occasions this season we have dropped points at home in games we would have expected to win – such as Newcastle, Fulham and Burnley.
The Toffees are so much better away and we rank fourth in the league on away form with nine wins in 14 league games – only Leicester and Manchester City have won more.
Brighton are awful at home too.
They have won two league matches at the Amex all season, and going back to January 1st 2020 they have just three wins in total.
We are confident Carlo Ancelotti will be able to put this bad run behind us and get the three points to put us back in the European qualification places.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are monitoring a £17.3m-rated defender who is “perfect” for the Premier League.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.