Daniel Feliciano

Mon 2 January 2023 20:10, UK

Mark Lawrenson has challenged Everton to stand up for themselves in consecutive games when they face Brighton on Tuesday night.

The Toffees claimed a huge draw against champions Manchester City last time out, stopping a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.

But as they prepare to welcome Brighton to Goodison Park next (3 January), Lawrenson believes the fans could make a huge difference and help them claim a much-needed win to move away from the relegation zone.

“Everton did well at City, and stood up for themselves, but can they do it two games running?” he said in his Paddy Power predictions column (2 January).

“Brighton got taken apart by Arsenal but are still right up the table. I was leaning towards a draw, but I reckon it’ll be like the Colosseum and the fans will get behind them and pinch the win.

“They’re competitive and good defensively. It’s difficult to go there because you really feel hemmed in. The supporters really make a difference. Everton 2-1 Brighton.”

Needed

The draw against Manchester City was a huge result on New Years Eve, but it will mean very little if the Toffees don’t follow that up with another big performance and result this time around.

2022 was a long and hard year for Everton and the fans, but 2023 is a chance to turn it around and build momentum to move away from the relegation zone and start climbing the table.

Brighton are never an easy team to compete against, but Frank Lampard must find a way to find to get his team flying again but also a more consistent attacking threat.

Demarai Gray’s goal was courtesy of a counter-attack because of how attack-minded Man City are, but Brighton won’t set up that way and will be harder to break down.

We know that we are good enough defensively to keep teams out, but unless we find a way to get through teams and create consistently then it will be a long 2023 too and Lampard could find himself in real trouble.