Everton will make sure to keep the top four hopes alive as they travel to AMEX Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday night.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are without a win in their last four matches, with their draw against Crystal Palace last time their only point at that time. Toffees have fallen to eighth in the table, but with two games in hand, there is still time for Everton to get back in the race.
They will like their chances against Brighton, but Seagull’s latest form makes them sweat a little. Brighton won two matches on the bounce before meeting Manchester United, who needed a late comeback to avoid their own defeat last week.
Here is a 90 min overview of everything you need to know about the game.
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UTT. ✊ #BHAEVE
– Everton (@Everton) April 12, 2021
When is the match? Monday 12 AprilWhat time is running? 20:15 (BST)Where is it played? AMEX StadiumTV channel? Sky Sports (UK), NBC Universo (US)Judge? Darren England
? An exclusive with @ AdamWebster31.
? Glad to see you back, Webby! #BHAFC? ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/cEepz0VD55
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 8, 2021
Midfielders Adam Webster and Dan Burn have both recovered from injuries and are available for selection, although it is unlikely that Webster will have a heavy (if any) period after a period of two months on the side.
Solly March and Tariq Lamptey are still unavailable, while Florin Andone and Aaron Connolly will face late fitness tests. There may be a recall for Percy Tau, who has served his quarantine and is now back in the group.
Pickford is not expected back other than Pool / Getty Images
Everton’s midfield has been ravaged by injuries to Abdoulaye Doucoure, Fabian Delph and Bernard, while Andre Gomes is also expected to miss with a hamstring injury. Allan and Alex Iwobi may be back in contention for their own releases.
The game may come too early for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has been out with an abdominal injury. England’s international has returned to training, but Ancelotti has already promised to be careful with his return.
Brighton: Sanchez; White, Veltman, Dunk; Groß, Lallana, Bissouma, Moder, Trossard; Maupay, Welbeck.
Everton: Olsen; Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Coleman, Allan, Davies, Digne, Rodriguez; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.
Brighton had bad luck against United | Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Brighton
Manchester United 2-1 Brighton (04/04)Brighton 3-0 Newcastle (20/03) Southampton 1-2 Brighton (14/03)Brighton 1-2 Leicester (06/03) West Brom 1-0 Brighton (27/02)
Everton
Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace (05/04)Everton 0-2 Manchester City (20/03)Everton 1-2 Burnley (13/03) Chelsea 2-0 Everton (08/03) West Brom 0-1 Everton (04/03)
Ancelotti expects to return to winning ways here Pool / Getty Images
Despite what the table may make you believe, this is a difficult game to call. Everton are a tall team that plays poorly, and they face a struggling Brighton side that is much better than their league position would suggest.
With an injury crisis in midfield and the convincing form of Calvert-Lewin, who has only three goals in his last 15 games, it is safe to say that Everton are not the best. But they should still have enough of them to beat Brighton.
Brighton know how to make things uncomfortable and they will not go down with a fight, but expect Everton to get a positive result … only.
Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Everton
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