Last week's prediction was, admittedly, a bit of a mess, as injuries, both expected and unexpected, had a massive impact on David Moyes' side, forcing several players into uncomfortable positions on the pitch, seemingly on short notice.
The information heading into the match is that Everton will be without a key trio of defenders, making Moyes job a bit more complicated as the club continues to push for more players to fill out the side before the transfer window closes on September 1.
It also makes predicting what Moyes will do difficult, as the question is whether to outline what the best option appears to be from the outside looking in, or what the Scot will do based on his history.
I, for one, would be a proponent of a switch in systems, especially if Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko are going to be out for a few more weeks. But history tells me that Moyes may prefer to stick to what he feels comfortable with in terms of formation, even if it means plugging square pegs into round holes.
Based on that line of thinking, let's take a shot at predicting who Moyes will select for the starting XI for Everton's first-ever competitive match in its new home.
Everton lineup vs Brighton (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Not much to say here. Pickford will be here on a weekly basis outside of a few early cup matches.
Adam Aznou (LB): Moyes said that the Moroccan teenager was back in training, so I'm hoping the injury was minor enough that he can make his debut. Even if he's a bit out of his depth, he needs to become a trusted player sooner rather than later.
Michael Keane (CB): Until Branthwaite returns or Moyes decides to change things up elsewhere (like using James Garner at right back?), Keane is the starter.
James Tarkowski (CB): The captain when Seamus Coleman isn't out there, which is often in recent years. Hopefully, he's cut his arms off at the shoulders to avoid any more penalties.
Jake O'Brien (RB): The Ireland international isn't really a fullback, but he's holding his own on a week-to-week basis. Would prefer to see him replace Keane and slide Garner in here, but I won't hold my breath on that one.
Midfielders
Idrissa Gana Gueye (CDM): Wasn't at his best on Monday at Elland Road, but I wonder how much of that had to do with his clearly-out-his-depth midfield partner. I expect him to return to form.
James Garner (CM): After working hard as a left-back, Garner should slide back into the midfield, although, as noted above, I think there's a better use for him elsewhere.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM): He looked better against Leeds when dropping back a little bit, so I expect that to be more of his role on Sunday, with Garner also dropping deeper to help Gana out defensively.
Forwards
Iliman Ndiaye (RW): As usual, I expect a great deal of fluidity from the wingers, but Ndiaye, no matter where you put him, will be out there. The hope will be that the other winger can help take some pressure off of the Senegal international, who was often surrounded by three or four Leeds players last week.
Jack Grealish (LW): Sure, I thought he'd start last week, but I think the pomp and circumstance of the opening match at the new stadium calls for a little extra in the starting lineup. The question is whether he's got enough fitness to start. If not, expect Charly Alcaraz to play, once again, out of position on the right.
Beto (CF): Would I be shocked if Moyes opts for the young Thierno Barry here? Not really, but I also think it is more likely the veteran gets the nod, looking to shake off an isolated performance against Leeds.