Everton failed to live up to the expectations of their fans in their Premier League 2025/26 opener when they lost 1-0 to Leeds United last Monday at the Elland Road.
However, on Sunday, the Toffees will play their first league fixture at their new stadium in Bramley-Moore known as the Hill Dickinson Stadium when they will take the field against Brighton & Hove Albion.
While Everton will be looking to bounce back from their underwhelming display against Leeds, Brighton were only moments away from winning against Fulham, but Rodrigo Muniz's late goal meant they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Despite the heartbreaking result, the Seagulls were pretty impressive on their opening night, and Fabian Hurzeler will hope to build on that in their first away trip of the new season.
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Brighton have an exceptional record against the Toffees away from home as they are unbeaten in their last four away trips to Everton.
However, this time, things will be different for both teams as they will play at the new Hill Dickinson stadium where even Everton may take time to adjust to their home surroundings.
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news and injuries
Everton will continue to miss star defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who is out with a hamstring injury. Michael Keane is expected to keep his place in the backline.
Nathan Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko also remain doubtful for this fixture as James Garner is expected to start at left-back.
Meanwhile Jack Grealish could start for Everton at home after coming off the bench in the second half against Leeds.
The former Manchester City man will look to pair up with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Illman Ndiaye to handle the creative outlet for David Moyes' men whereas Beto will look to lead the lines with Thierno Barry starting from the bench.
Everton predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pickford (GK); O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Garner; Gueye, Iroegbunam; Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.
Injured: Branthwaite (hamstring), Patterson (groin), Mykolenko (doubtful)
Suspended: None
Hurzeler has far more injury concerns than his counterparts as the likes of Adam Webster, Solly March and Tariq Lamptey are sidelined with injuries and will miss this fixture.
Whereas Julio Enciso has moved on from Brighton and has joined BlueCo owned Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.
Hurzeler has shown trust in Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk at the heart of the defense while new signing Maxim De Cuyper, who had a decent debut against Fulham is expected to start in left-back position.
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Manchester United target Carlos Baleba could play a big role in determining Brighton's authority in the middle of the park.
Matt O'Riley, Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh will be responsible for creating chances for Georginio Rutter, who is expected to start upfront.
Brighton & Hove Albion starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Verbruggen (GK); Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, O'Riley, Mitoma; Rutter.
Injured: March (knee), Hinshelwood (knock), Webster (knee), Kostoulas (match fitness issues).
Suspended: None.
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Everton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion match details
- Date: Sunday, August 24, 2025
- Kickoff time: 11:00 p.m. AEST
- TV/Stream: Stan Sport
- Location: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool (England)
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Stuart Attwell
- VAR: James Bell