Callum O'Connell

Fri 3 November 2023 10:10, UK

Chris Sutton has predicted Everton will beat Brighton as the teams face off at Goodison Park on Saturday 4 November despite the Toffees’ poor home form.

Sutton suggested that their style of play could be the perfect match for Brighton, with Sean Dyche’s side proving to be a threat on the counter-attack last time the sides faced at the Amex.

A final score prediction of 2-1 was given, and the former Chelsea striker claimed he expects Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make the difference as Brighton struggle to keep clean sheets.

Writing in his Premier League predictions article for BBC Sport, Sutton shared: “I was at the Amex Stadium in May when Everton stunned Brighton with a 5-1 win that went a long way to keeping them up last season.

“If you want a blueprint for beating Brighton, it is the way Everton beat them then – they were absolutely superb on the counter-attack.

“The Toffees’ home form has been poor this season but they did beat Burnley in the EFL Cup in midweek and, generally, their recent performances everywhere have been decent. They have definitely improved and maybe even turned a corner compared to a few weeks ago.

“Brighton won 4-1 the last time they came to Goodison Park, in January, but that was in the final days of Frank Lampard’s time in charge. I’m expecting Sean Dyche to take the same approach as he did in May, and look to hit Brighton on the break again.

“He won’t compromise, even though his side are at home this time, and neither will Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi in the way his team always plays.

“Like Burnley, Brighton don’t keep clean sheets – although they will probably both get one now – so I am going with Dominic Calvert-Lewin to make the difference for Everton. If I am totally honest, though, I don’t have a clue how this one will go. 2-1.”

Sutton is right, Everton can win this

Brighton’s home defeats to West Ham and AEK Athens this season were both a result of their opponents sitting back, soaking up the pressure with a solid defensive unit, and breaking quickly on the counter-attack with direct football.

This will play perfectly into the hands of Dyche’s side, and their recent form will give them an added boost to their confidence having won four of their last six games in all competitions.

The form of Calvert-Lewin will also play a part, and he has given Everton a consistent source of goals as well as a dominant presence up top that can provide a threat against any defender, with his aerial dominance and talent in front of goal difficult to deal with.

If Everton can execute their game plan as has been seen so far this season, they could well walk away from the Amex with all three points, against the odds due to Brighton’s form and impressive style of play despite their lack of defensive strength.

In other Everton news, a club director has responded to Everton transfer links.