Everton vs Brighton: Pre-match analysis

This weekend’s Premier League fixture against the Seagulls is a massive one for Everton.

It’s a game that the Blues cannot afford to lose. A home match against Brighton being a must-win game is not, with all due respect to the South coast club, what Everton fans would have expected at the start of the season.

But with the Seagulls now sitting one place above Everton in the table and with a healthier goal difference it’s become vital. They are also coming off the back of a fine win over Arsenal last weekend.

After another dismal defeat away to Burnley last time out Everton are still not certain of safety. The Blues have been solid at home this season and need to make that home advantage count.

So how should Everton approach this match and what are the keys to beating Brighton?

Be positive

First of all it’s crucial for the Blues to be positive, to play with a high tempo and look to take the game to their opponents.

Brighton have a poor record away from home. According to statistics from whoscored.com Brighton are generally very weak defending set-pieces and have a tendency to commit fouls in dangerous positions. Everton need to look to exploit these difficulties.

So perhaps Everton should consider playing Theo Walcott and Yannick Bolasie from the start in wide attacking roles with Gylfi Sigurdsson looking to play off either Cenk Tosun.

Stick with Sigurdsson and Tosun

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Cenk Tosun looked like they were beginning to develop an understanding so let’s build on that and show faith in Tosun too who scored a good goal.

It will be important also for Sigurdsson to make good use of any set-piece opportunities as this might be a productive route to goal.

Push up defensively

Brighton tend to play a 4411 formation, this is the set up they have used the most times this season.

They lack real pace up front and although Glenn Murray is a strong, hard-working centre forward in a good run of form he’s certainly not the quickest.

So I think Everton can afford to play with a slightly higher line defensively especially as the Seagulls have a tendency to get caught offside.

Play Leighton Baines and Mason Holgate

I’ve said this before but I think Holgate is a very good young defender and with Ashley Williams suspended it’s a perfect opportunity to give him an extended run in the side.

It’s also time to bring Baines back into the team at left-back. Although he is not 100% match fit the team really need the balance, quality and experience that he will bring to the team.

It might also be a good game to play three at the back. Although generally I don’t feel this suits Everton, Brighton do like to get the ball out to the left wing and right wings where Jose Izqueirdo and Anthony Knockaert are dangerous.

Playing a three at the back would depend on whether Ramiro Funes Mori is fit enough to play as his being left-footed gives natural balance to a three. But on the down-side it would also potentially leave Everton short of bodies in midfield.

It’s an option though because it would give Seamus Coleman and Baines the chance to push up and support Everton’s attacks while still giving enough protection out wide as Holgate and Funes Mori can cover while Phil Jagielka marks Glenn Murray.

Deny Pascal Groβ space and time on the ball

Groβ is a key player for Brighton and leads them with 8 assists . He was outstanding in their 2-1 victory over Arsenal last weekend.

It’s important for Everton to prevent him getting too much space and time on the ball in the last third where he can be a real threat. This is a job for Idrissa Gueye.

Take our chances

It is of course self-evident that you need to take your chances. But it can’t be underlined too strongly that Everton cannot afford to waste goal-scoring opportunities like those chances squandered at Burnley.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DGJeR7LFCQ

Next: Wenger new Everton boss?

The team don’t create many good chances so it’s vital to take them.