Prediction: Brighton vs Everton

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365

The games are coming thick and fast throughout the festive period, and we aren’t even remotely close to being done yet. The Boxing Day fixtures were great but it’s already time to look ahead to the future – and why wouldn’t we? There’s still a lot of football left to be played in the Premier League in 2018, and we’re more than happy to sample it. One game that has caught our eye will take place down south, as Brighton & Hove Albion prepare to take on Everton in a game that could have major repercussions for both sides.

Brighton

Under Chris Hughton, Brighton & Hove Albion have re-defined what it means to be inconsistent. Some days they look like top half contenders, and others they look like they’ll be lucky to survive the drop. They’ve got the infrastructure and the manager necessary to take things to the next level, but they still need one or two more big signings. While that may not necessarily come in January, there’s still reason to believe that the next 5-10 years could be big for the club.

Team News

Locadia will almost certainly retain his place in the side after his performance against Arsenal, although a few changes can be expected courtesy of the quick turnaround.

Everton

Everton finally seem to be gelling as a squad, which can only be a good thing for the remainder of the season. A top half finish and a good cup run would likely be viewed as a successful season, mainly because it gives them something to build on. They’ve got arguably one of the most underrated squads in the Premier League and they’re capable of doing some serious damage on their day, but the question is how do they fix their inconsistency? While they’ve got time to figure that out, the Goodison Park faithful can be known for being impatient.

Team News

Richarlison has likely earned himself a start after his performance against Burnley, with Walcott being tipped to be rested.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Brighton’s Amex Stadium.
• Brighton have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Everton have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• Everton lead Brighton 7-2 in the overall head to head standings, with five draws.
• In their last meeting back in November, Everton won 3-1.

Conclusion

This one is interesting as both sides are coming off of morale boosting results. We think that there’s going to be a lot of free flowing football on display from the first minute until the very last, and that can only mean good things. We can see Everton getting into a rhythm and even taking a two goal lead, only for the Seagulls to come to life in the second half. They’ll peg the Toffees back with two goals of their own to level things up, and that’ll last all the way through until full time.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 12/5

Bookmaker: bet365