Everton vs Brighton: Preview and Predicted Lineups | OneFootball

A new era for the Toffees is set to get underway with Everton hosting their first Premier League fixture at their new waterfront stadium.

The Blues will take on Brighton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on the banks of the river Mersey and there’s no better way to greet the expected capacity crowd of 52,769 than with a win to begin their Premier League 2025/26 journey.

David Moyes’ side languished in a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road and will be seeking an improved performance here.

Changes have been aplenty at Finch Farm since the end of last season, with nearly two dozen players going out and coming in through the revolving door of the transfer window.

Evertonians will make the trip to Bramley-Moore Dock with the satisfaction of knowing that a deal for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is close, bringing an end to the desperate summer-long search for a right winger.

They’ll naturally be expecting a more gutsy show from the players who looked off-colour and dispirited in the campaign opener against Leeds.

Everton vs Brighton - Team News and Predicted XI

Everton Team News

Everton’s defensive woes are set to continue as Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko will miss the clash against Brighton as well. Branthwaite picked up a hamstring injury in training following the final pre-season friendly against Roma, while Mykolenko was injured in that game.

Both of them missed the opening fixture against Leeds United, as did teenage left-back Adam Aznou, signed from Bayern Munich.

Aznou has returned to training this week, although it remains to be seen whether he receives the medical green light to be selected in the final squad. If he does get medical clearance, he’s expected to slot in at left-back, allowing James Garner to move to the middle to partner Idrissa Gueye.

Thierno Barry, who came on in the dying embers of the clash at Elland Road, is expected to lead the line ahead of Beto.

Everton predicted starting XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Aznou; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry

When is Everton vs Brighton?

Everton will host Brighton in their first home game of the season at the newly-built waterfront stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on August 24, Sunday. Kick-off is scheduled at 2:00 pm BST.

Where to Watch Everton vs Brighton?

The Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton will be available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for viewers in the UK.

The match will also be available online on Sky Go, on the Sky Sports app and via Now TV’s Sports membership.

Reader Comments (101)

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Same team as against Leeds, I bet, but surely different tactics for Brighton.

With teams like them who are expert at a fast attacking style and quick breakaways, you have to have an organised defence. We can't have Gueye thinking he's a striker and loitering round the opposition's penalty area, he's a defensive midfielder, protecting the defence... He should be barking out orders saying who should be covering who.

Structure is the key, keep your shape. I've noticed that a lot of the teams are getting dragged out of position, with five or six players all on one side, and feet away from each other, like a game in the playground.

I remember Kevin Keegan saying, one reason he left Liverpool was because he was being told where to stand when the opposition had a throw-in, but that was organisation to the max.

Teams are wide open simply through lack of an organised team. Moyes should, of all people have his team's defensively structured. With the injuries we have, and players out of position, we need the mentality of stick to the plan, and no gung-ho attitudes.

I think we will win this one, backed by the new stadium, and the fans, and a little luck, and an unbent referee, and VAR not sleeping at inappropriate times, and Jesus on our side, oh, and var on our side for a change, and fingers crossed, and news of hundreds of tins of blue paint due for BMD. I think I've got everything covered.

Everton 2 Brighton 1. Where's me rabbit's foot, and me lucky heather, and me four-leaf clover, and me horseshoe?

Mike Powell 4 Posted 23/08/2025 at 15:58:18

I'd like to see McNeil at left-back, Garner in centre-midfield, and Barry as centre-forward.

Drop Alacarz and Beto

Andrew Merrick 5 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:01:08

Yes, Christy, Garner at left back didn't work, although Tim was the real issue. That leaves Aznou or McNeil as the most likely fill in.

We still have some options up field, let's see Grealish and Ndiaye on the flanks and start Barry. Grealish probably won't track back so we need the mid to give some cover.

C'mon, Moyes — better than the Leeds fiasco please.

Raymond Fox 6 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:10:20

He will stick with Beto up front and Garner at left-back.

I don't see Grealish starting either – more like half time, it depends how the game is shaping up. Alcaraz in Garner's place, maybe McNeil further forward.

Christy Ring 7 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:15:59

I'd be mystified if he starts Beto.

I know we had very few chances on Monday night, but I thought he offered absolutely nothing upfront.

Andrew Clare 9 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:24:52

Beto is like any other striker we've had over recent years.

Playing alone upfront with no service and not a decent pass for the whole game.

Okay, some of his play is limited, but give him chances and he will score.

He's played under Moyes and Dyke two of the most negative managers in the game. We don't create enough chances per game.

Billy Shears 11 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:32:03

Very tough one to call but, whatever team Moyes puts out, our performance needs to vastly improve over the Leeds fiasco!

We need our lads to start fast, get the crowd going, get in their faces... intensity needed and some skill too, please!

Joe McMahon 12 Posted 23/08/2025 at 16:34:43

Andrew @9 some very good points, and like a few of us, I never wanted Dyche in the first place or Moyes back.

On the subject of past managers, yes, it didn't work with Lampard (Premier League possibly too soon for him). But Coventry now scored 7, and the news about them buying the stadium is brilliant news.

13 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:02:27

The crowd is going to play a huge part tomorrow. I hope they get warmed up quickly and are loud and behind the team all through the game.

My main hopes for this game:

1. Everton score the first goal;2. The goal is one to remember – not an own goal or a scrambled goal or a penalty or spoilt by a VAR wait.

It would be a bold decision for Moyes to play Aznou – I don't think he will start with him. In my opinion, a 3-4-3 would best suit the available personnel:

PickfordO'Brien Tarkowski KeaneGarner Gueye Dewsbury-Hall McNeilGrealish Beto Ndiaye

Subs: Travers, Aznou, Armstrong, Iroegbunam, Alcaraz, Barry, Chermiti

I pick Ndiaye to score the first goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Andrew Bentley 15 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:21:23

If he does play Aznou, then I'd expect McNeil in front of him to help defend more with Grealish on the bench.

Raymond Fox 16 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:22:59

Brighton are favs 7/5 we are 2/1 & 11/5 the draw approx.

That's the neutral view.

Lee Courtliff 17 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:23:08

Surely McNeil must play left-back to provide some left-sided balance? Even though he may be more suspect defensively than Garner, the overall balance of the team will improve greatly and that, to me, is more important than the extra cover we have in playing a R footer like Garner in that position.

I remember Dwight filled in on the left against Man City a couple of years ago and, whilst not brilliant, did a steady job against top opposition.

We cannot be as lopsided as we were against Leeds on Monday.

Alan McGuffog 18 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:25:54

Chris Sutton has us down for a defeat. Not content with that, he has to have a little dig about last season.

Can't recall him ever being positive about us. Did someone spill his ale?

Ged Simpson 19 Posted 23/08/2025 at 17:31:50

Does anyone really care what Sutton allegedly "thinks" may improve our odds?

Derek Knox 20 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:15:47

These so called pundits/experts are mostly like Kopites = Gobshites !

They get paid for it too, unbelievable !

Jay Harris 21 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:19:16

Ajay,

I don't think Keane has ever played well in a three. Let's hope Aznou is fit and up to par. We need a strong midfield against these.

I would go with three of Gueye, Garner and Dewsbury-Hall with either Anjou or McNeil at left-back and Ndiaye, Beto and Grealish up front.

Mike Gaynes 22 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:20:50

Lee, that might even make us better defensively, because it would allow Garner to move up into his normal position next to Gana.

George Cumiskey 23 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:25:03

Sutton said the penalty given against us last week was a disgrace, so he doesn't seem to have it in for us as some people think.

George Cumiskey 24 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:31:16

Why are some people on here naming Beto in their starting eleven when he was shocking on Monday?

He should be giving Barry a run out.

Don Wright 25 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:37:14

Meanwhile, Martin Sherif scores on his debut for Rotherham.

Colin Glassar 26 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:41:48

I think Sutton quite likes us, George.

Bobby Mallon 27 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:49:23

Jack Grealish is not a winger and never was. He's a maverick who should be allowed to do what he likes across the front line and midfield.

When did players stop being midfielders? What's with DM AM etc? When I played, I was a centre mid who attacked and defended, same as all the midfield, and did the work for the creative types.

Bobby Mallon 28 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:52:53

I would play 4-3-3:

PickfordColeman TarkowskiO'BrienAznouDewsbury-HallGarnerGanaNdiayeGrealishBarry

Derek Knox 29 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:52:57

Bobby @ 27, still got your boots, mate? :-)

Bobby Mallon 30 Posted 23/08/2025 at 18:57:44

I would love to play at the ripe old age of 60 (where the fuck did those years go) but alas it's not to be.

To be honest, Derek, these footballers are fannies today. 😂

Derek Knox 31 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:02:36

Bobby,

"These footballers are fannies today."

I'm glad somebody else has noticed. Expensive fannies too.

Liam Mogan 32 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:05:46

Haven't seen a fanny for years so wouldn't know

Kevin Molloy 33 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:11:57

Leeds getting absolutely torn apart. They beat us though. As did West Ham.

For whatever reason, we are currently bang out of form. I think taking both Doucoure and Branthwaite out of that side has left a huge hole in our competitiveness.

I think we may be in for a frustrating few weeks, we are changing our whole style and have got more than half a side getting to know each other. We won't go down, but I don't think this season is going to be anything special.

Raymond Fox 34 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:21:33

One thing about it you do get some laughs among the doom on here.

Derek Taylor 35 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:29:01

I understand that new contracts were offered to both Calvert-Lewin and Doucoure but the prospect of reduced wages and/or bench status did not appeal to either. Pity.

Mike Powell 36 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:29:57

How did we lose to Leeds? They got destroyed by Arsenal, Leeds looked awful.

Shows how bad we are, just hope we turn up on Sunday.

Joe McMahon 37 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:52:09

Frustrating isn't it, apparently Gyökeres wasn't good enough for us according to some when he was at Coventry because we had Calvert-Lewin.

I want to be wrong, but I haven't got much faith that Moyes will manage the game well tomorrow. BMD has been getting much publicity and hype, the first game cannot be a home loss.

Billy Bradshaw 38 Posted 23/08/2025 at 19:53:35

Mike @ 36, I hope we turn up Sunday, with the intention of not going for a point.

Colin Glassar 39 Posted 23/08/2025 at 20:33:13

Joe 37, Gyokeres turned us down. He wanted European football and wanted to be nowhere near Dyche.

Ian Jones 40 Posted 23/08/2025 at 20:53:20

Colin, or Coventry got a better offer from Sporting and the player preferred to go there instead to play European football.

I imagine he always planned to get back to the Premier League, used Sporting as his stepping stone. Doubt it had anything to do with Dyche.

Colin Glassar 41 Posted 23/08/2025 at 21:23:17

I think I read it in the red echo that he turned us down for European football.

I don't know if Dyche had any influence.

Tom Bowers 42 Posted 23/08/2025 at 21:36:51

I would play Coleman too! They have a speedy left-winger who would get past O'Brien too easily and Seamus still has a bit of pace.

Obviously getting goals is paramount to win games although they almost got a point at Leeds only for that late penalty. They wouldn't have deserved it the way Moyes set things up… but heck, who cares? A point is a point.

Grealish must start, he gets free-kicks and that's how we may get a goal.

What about that farcical Spurs second goal against Man City? Why is the goal-kick taker passing to the keeper along the 6-yard box???

Peter Moore 43 Posted 23/08/2025 at 21:51:00

Its academic now, but we definitely had the chance to get Gyökeres in January 2023, but Coventry wanted £20M up front and we couldn't or wouldn't pay it.

I saw an interview with him early February and he was disappointed his dream to move to the Premier League had fallen through but had to re-focus and attempt to get there with Coventry.

They lost in the playoffs and Sporting came in with the money Coventry wanted and off he went. We were unable to pay up front being the issue, I believe.

His face and words in that interview after the end of the January window made it clear to me we missed a great chance there, if we had the money.

A good friend who is Coventry mad also informed he was hoping to come to us that January.

One that got away for sure.

Ernie Baywood 44 Posted 23/08/2025 at 22:03:12

I don't think a back 3 can work with Keane and Tarkowski. You need pace to cover the wing-back. O'Brien can do that job and Branthwaite can do that job but we don't have both available.

Personally I would still go with McNeil at left-back. Garner battled well but being right-footed really limited him.

Then Garner or Dewsbury-Hall in midfield.

Tim Iroegbunam and left-back were the two big issues against Leeds that needed sorting. We couldn't play forward.

John Flood 45 Posted 23/08/2025 at 22:12:44

Peter (43),

As much as we might have wanted to sign Gyökeres in January 2023 (and he was certainly somebody Thelwell had identified), with our PSR and financial position at the time, we simply couldn't.

Indeed, rather than sign anybody in that window, we had to sell Anthony Gordon to keep the wolves from the door.

Peter Moore 46 Posted 23/08/2025 at 22:46:26

I am sure you are right, John. I believe we made an offer to Coventry (and probably had already, through the player's agent, knowledge that he wanted to come to us and agreed personal terms verbally subject to the clubs agreeing on the transfer).

Sadly the offer was not to Coventry's liking as it was of the type of deal we soon after did for Beto instead. Zero up front and £10M next year and another £10M the year after. No good to Coventry as they insisted on the money up front.

Peter Moore 47 Posted 23/08/2025 at 22:49:41

I think we sold them Ellis Simms around then too. I don't know if we tried to offer DCL in a player plus cash type thing, but that would have been a none starter if DCL wasn't keen to drop down a level where he may have been able to score more goals.

Ben King 48 Posted 23/08/2025 at 23:08:09

Peter #47,

Of course we didn't offer Calvert-Lewin to Coventry. Of course he wouldn't have wanted to drop down — what on earth has even made you suggest that???

Christine Foster 49 Posted 23/08/2025 at 23:15:33

Losing today is not an option, but it's not just a case of team selection, it hinges also on the drive and passion of every supporter in the ground. Because it's the first match.

Think of what we have had to endure to get here. The points deductions, the ridicule, the protests, the shame, Kenwright, the thought of a Tesco carpark in Kirkby, 777 Partners...

Today is a celebration for every single one of us – David Moyes had better remember that, so too every single supporter who takes their seat, remember. Then cheer your bloody lungs out for every sodding minute, make "The Dock" feared as the fortress it was intended to be.

Vindicate all those who drove through the pain of all the above for just one day, today. The rest of the season will be what it will be, but today is ours. Victory is the only thing acceptable.

Neil Tyrrell 50 Posted 23/08/2025 at 23:22:24

I'd bet the farm on Seamus starting.

When he re-signed, I thought it was so he could lead the team out at the new gaff, and then he might retire.

Of course we're so thin on numbers, we probably can't afford him to retire now!

Nick Page 51 Posted 23/08/2025 at 23:25:04

Take a draw, lads.

We move on.

Peter Moore 52 Posted 23/08/2025 at 23:42:12

Ben (48) at the time it was just wishful thinking on my part. In hindsight it would have been a win for us of course.

But, like you say, Calvert-Lewin would never have been up for it probably. Such is the tendency of some players to think they are better than they are, hey. Maybe he will suddenly find his Don Carlo form at Leeds though, but he never did for us, did he, though injuries and lack of quality service didnt help either I agree.

When chances are at a premium though, how wonderful it would have been if we had a predator that took his fair share of them.

Anyway, what is gone is gone. We must look forward. Historic day is nearly upon us. Seize the day! UTFT.

Dale Self 53 Posted 23/08/2025 at 00:08:10

PickfordO'Brien Tarkowski Keane McNeil Gana Dewsbury-Hall Garner Ndiaye Grealish Barry

So the problem is width. McNeil would need to be very good at finding space on the left and recovering. Either Garner or Grealish would need to drift wide right to overload.

The real problem is getting out of our box after digging in on defence. Perhaps Ndiaye can find that early ball carrier form and find Grealish or Dewsbury-Hall in support. Any early possession and I would bring Barry above the D to time moves into the box with Ndiaye or Grealish.

McNeil and Ndiaye have defended well together, forgot the match, may be City as suggested above. Gana and Garner have covered each other's forward runs well. O'Brien can limit the risks on the right. He may give some chances to Mitoma but they will be second options, hopefully just enough to disrupt timing.

Brighton can bring some flashy football effectively. The crowd could get edgy if Grealish and Ndiaye cannot get going. I expect Dewsbury-Hall and McNeil to benefit from the ball carriers and get some chances to place some dangerous balls into the box.

I figure, it's been so shit, eventually you'd think we would be due one. Hopefully, we don't do one.

UTFT! Dammit!

Geoff Lambert 55 Posted 24/08/2025 at 00:41:42

Leeds are shit, West Ham are shit, both beat us… so what does that make us?

We so need a win today but I can see the same team as Leeds starting. Come on, Everton.

Ben #58, Coventry told us to do one.

Mark Taylor 56 Posted 24/08/2025 at 01:23:28

Brighton at home and my hopes are we at least get a draw. Hard times.

Moyes will pick pretty much the same team as against Leeds. He is conservative in the extreme. Just maybe he'll pick Grealish on the left, shift Ndiaye to the right, and drop Alcaraz.

Otherwise, business as usual and let's hope it isn't as dire as last Monday. But truthfully, why wouldn't it be...?

Laurie Hartley 57 Posted 24/08/2025 at 03:36:08

The back four were under the cosh last week so I thought they did alright even if Garner played out of position at left back. I think he will stick with them.

I said in the post match thread that I thought it was in midfield that he got it wrong. He should have gone 451.

He should leave Ndiaye out left where he did so well for us last season. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

If Grealish is a number 10 play him there from the start and replace him with Alcaraz when he runs out of steam.

Dewsbury-Hall has to start because he can pass a ball and Gana is a walk-up start.

That leaves right-wing and centre-forward. Beto gets some hammer on here but in Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall we have two players who can provide him with passes to run onto. I would play Beto.

That leaves the right-wing (which won't be a problem for much longer). I would play McNeil there.

PickfordO'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, GarnerMcNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Gueye, Grealish, NdiayeBeto.

Alan J Thompson 58 Posted 24/08/2025 at 04:05:29

"Ping" Kickforth, sorry "King" Pickford in goal, back 4 O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane for a bit of height, McNeil left-back and to take the corners.

Up front, Barry, Beto and Chermiti with 2 from Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz or Grealish just behind for any rebounds which solves the midfield problem as we can just play the preferred long ball game.

Which just leaves one spot for Moyes's youth policy… probably Gana. Saves messing around trying to sort out the midfield.

Mark Andersson 59 Posted 24/08/2025 at 04:25:28

Christine is spot on.

All fans stop moaning about the price of food and drink, stop moaning about last week's Leeds defeat, stop moaning about loosing out on signings, and use that energy to get behind the boys wearing blue.

For the first time in years, I have subscribed to watch Premier League footie, up at stupid o'clock in Australia. Can't shout n scream coz the wife is in bed – even gave up the beer drinking.

I'm no fan of Moyes but I hope he gets it right today.

For those who attend the match, it's your duty to us all to cheer the team to a historic win.

Enjoy the game!

Vijay Nair 60 Posted 24/08/2025 at 05:18:17

That predicted line-up is probably the best we can field with the players we have available.

But we all know Moyes will probably play the same line-up he did against Leeds with the likes of Garner out of position.

Mike Gaynes 61 Posted 24/08/2025 at 05:26:10

Christine #49, what a battle cry!

I'd march off to war with you in a minute.

Danny O'Neill 62 Posted 24/08/2025 at 06:28:56

Whoever the manager selects today, they are going to be the first Everton side to lead us out onto the new stadium so, for me, they need no motivation.

Put last week behind us and go for the win, Everton.

Derek Knox 63 Posted 24/08/2025 at 06:58:55

Good spirit and mantra as always, Danny, I can't see Moyes selecting a replica of last game's disjointed team selection.

New Stadium, new beginnings, some new players. Come on – let's put on a show!

Colin Glassar 64 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:03:07

I just hope we win today.

A loss would just set the tone for the rest of the season.

Andrew Clare 65 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:17:35

This is a big day for us Blues.

Let's make it happen!

Terry Farrell 66 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:39:17

Christine, love every word of your message 💙.

Laurie, I agree with your team selection, it's the best balance and Grealish has to start. Let's get on the front foot!

Big fan of Alcaraz but playing him, Dewsbury-Hall and Grealish is too much so Charly comes on for one of them later.

Using 5 subs today at the right time will be very important today as we tire and Brighton will bring fast fresh legs on for the last 30 minutes guaranteed.

Scott Hamilton 67 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:46:24

Happy ‘New Stadium Day', Blues!

Can't wait for today. Gonna get down to the ground super-early, check out my stone on Everton Way, and then soak up the brand-new matchday atmosphere.

UTFT x 1,000,000!!!

James Hughes 68 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:53:59

A really nice segment on Beeb Breakfast about our new stadium just now. I will get there soon.

The Gooners showed how poor Leeds are, and we should have turned up, so I am hoping Moyes puts out a good team today.

C'mon Blues — please don't let us down on the first proper game. UTFT

Ian Bennett 69 Posted 24/08/2025 at 07:56:03

PickfordO'Brien Keane Tarkowski Coleman Garner Gana Dewsbury-HallNdiaye Beto Grealish

I think you've got to contest the midfield vs Brighton; if you play with 5 at the back, they'll walk all over you.

Need to get the ball moving quickly between the lines. Dewsbury-Hall will give a bit of balance on the left.

Coleman could get exposed vs Mintah, so he will need Dewsbury-Hall in front of him.

Derek Knox 70 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:07:47

Many suggesting giving the hapless (almost hopeless) Beto another chance to fluff his lines, or line his fluff.

Make him sit on the bench, play Barry and get Beto chomping at the bit to improve and get his dubious place back.

Simples!

Sam Hoare 71 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:15:09

Beto is not hopeless, he's just a certain type of striker who struggles to get into games if not used right. He's not a striker who will come deep and link play. Ollie Watkins only had 7 touches in the first half against Brentford yesterday.

Beto needs balls behind or down the channels to run onto. Or in the air with players around them. His touch is his weakest asset so we just have to use him right. Barry is a similar type of player; though better at linking play, he's possibly worse at finishing currently.

I think Ian's team looks about right… though I'd play Aznou if fit.

Peter Mitchell 72 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:23:10

James @68,

I saw that, too. Really impressive facilities to make the stadium accessible to all, with sensory rooms and quiet rooms. Pretty sure it is unique in the Premier League for this.

What a stadium – just need a performance (today) and a team (by 1 September) fit to grace it!

Duncan McDine 73 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:27:49

Leeds playing at home in their first game of the season (against a mediocre at best Everton) is a big difference to going away to Arsenal, so don't even look at that result.

Home advantage counts for an awful lot. Hopefully we will see that today. UTFT

Les Callan 74 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:43:28

Scott @67.

Not sure that you will be able to see the tablets and stones on Everton Way. Something about work still going on.

Bobby Mallon 75 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:45:51

The crowd today need to get their arses in gear and sing and shout this team to victory. Let this stadium be a bear pit.

I understand the overall age demographic is of older supporters but you can all sing and scream. Make me happy in Portugal whilst I sink a super bok.

Lee Courtliff 76 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:50:00

I've got my ticket for our historic day, and it's my birthday too... I'm sure the Blues will give me my usual 'present'.

It was a 4-nil defeat last year!

Derek Knox 77 Posted 24/08/2025 at 08:53:34

Scott, my mate Peter Moore tried that at the Roma game but couldn't find his.

Mind you, we were running a tad late, so give yourself plenty of time, mate.

Dave Abrahams 78 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:00:22

I think Alcaraz is getting judged as a winger.

He's an inside-right with a football brain; play him in midfield and then judge him.

Derek Knox 79 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:03:50

Dave A, spot on there mate. I think Alcaraz is often the one who gets singled out unfairly, IMHO.

I like the guy and at least he has proved he has a goal or two in him if played in the right position.

Bill Fairfield 80 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:06:16

Anyone else had a welcoming email to Club View, even though they're not a member?

Free programme, tenner on my season ticket to spend at the bar etc. Can't wait. lol.

Mike Price 81 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:07:37

I'm a bit nervous about the new stadium. I'm hoping it's not too nice, sanitised and lacking intimidation.

When really required, teams and supporters used to fear Goodison, especially on a dark night match. There's no doubt that the Goodison factor saved us from relegation when the team was relegation fodder.

I know it's a bit pessimistic on a day like this – but Everton does that to you! I'm just as hopeful and excited about the new blue dawn as we all are.

Ben King 82 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:08:23

Alcaraz has ability for sure. He had a poor preseason though and had a penchant to strike his shots over the bar.

Surely he has learnt to lean over the ball at this stage? Seemingly not!!

Rob Hooton 83 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:27:02

Ben, Gana has been hoofing shots high and wide for a couple of decades, seems some players never learn!!

Raymond Fox 84 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:30:28

A win would do us a world of good, but how can you be confident.

It looks well when I am afraid of Brighton at home.

I have everything crossed for a win, but bear in mind Brighton are seen as favourites for this game.

Brian Harrison 85 Posted 24/08/2025 at 09:47:59

Our first Premier league game at our new stadium, a truly momentous occasion and hopefully a much improved performance from the Leeds game and hopefully 3 points. I don't expect the atmosphere to be anything like Goodison that will take quite a few years to reach that sort of atmosphere. The reason is that for the first time in decades you are sitting around strange faces not the normal faces you have seen every week, and that tends to lesson the passion a little.Some saying Grealish may start on the bench hopefully not, and please don't start him wide, he is a number 10 all day. Surely the whole point of getting him was to help us keep possession better and control the tempo of the game very difficult to do that from out wide.

Mike Powell 86 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:05:53

PickfordO'Brien Tarky Keane McNeil Gana Hall Garner. Ndiaye. Grealish Barry. That would be my starting 11

Peter Mitchell 87 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:06:22

Mike@81 - there is a good piece on the BBC Website about how teams have fared in their new stadia in EPL. Guess what? The clubs with the best teams fared rather better than the clubs with the poorer teams in terms of win % in their first season in their new stadium. Obviously we need to try to make BMD a fortress, but we also need a team that generates the passion and can compete with the usual suspects.

Si Cooper 88 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:14:36

Ernie (44), I agree with you about Garner not really delivering anything creative from left-back, defensively sound though he was, and I thought that had a knock-on effect with Ndiaye who missed having someone at least momentarily giving the opposition something to worry about.McNeil has a wand of a left foot and would be keen to overlap but I worry he would then get seriously exposed defensively due to lack of recovery pace. I would worry about that a lot more than worrying about O’Brien if he plays at RB.Every option without Jarrad, Myko or a better RB seems like a bit of a compromise. Personally, without the benefit of seeing what has occurred in training, I would be accepting any inherent gamble by playing (right to left) Garner, Tarkowski, O’Brien and Aznou.I’d even consider trying Garner and Aznou as wing-backs with Keane coming in to make a back three, and with Gana absolutely forbidden from getting more than 20 yards into the opponents half (unless a clear breaking opportunity arose) so he could solely focus on plugging the gaps behind the wingbacks / provide an outlet option for the back three. The back four has the advantage of allowing all of Ndiaye, Grealish, Alcaraz and KDH to support / play-off the solo striker.Hopefully they have been working hard all week to give us something coherent and effective against Brighton.COYB! Time to make all-comers fearful of visiting BMD.

Rob Hooton 89 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:33:03

If Aznou is fit then I’d like to see him start, at least he is a left back with a left foot and he seems to have some pace, which might make up for any defensive inefficiency.

Sean Kelly 90 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:44:37

Forget Monday forget Kenwright and the Moshiri disaster years. We have arrived at our long overdue new ground. Celebrate today with a battle cry that will put the fear of whatever god you believe in to Brighton Christine #49 is right as always. Do the cheering for her and every Evertonian that wished they could be there today. Today is a new start and a line drawn under all the crap of the past.Let’s get 3 points and make the stadium a fortress.PS Moyes get it right and put your best foot forward and stop whinging and making excuses. 3 points please.

Steve Cotton 91 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:53:03

Teams who have started the season well are all good at closing down and hemming the opposition in their own back line...Not our game to be fair...

Kevin Molloy 92 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:54:18

This time last year we lost three nil to this team when we had Brahthwaite Doucoure DCL and Young. We also don't have any fullbacks, and we have Keane back at centre back. It will be a shock (to me at least) if we get anything from this game. We've made a load of signings, but they are going to take weeks to bed in. As it is, this is a team that's lost to Leeds and West Ham. I think we need to brace for a few crap results. To be fair to Moyes he has been sounding this alarm for weeks, this team isn't ready, and certainly can't cope with three of its back four being out.

Sean Kelly 93 Posted 24/08/2025 at 10:57:35

So Gana wasn’t the only one playing too far forward. And leaving us exposed on Monday. On several occasions I noticed Tarkowski thinking he was the new Kevin De Broyne (probably wrong spelling)

Jake FitzGerald 94 Posted 24/08/2025 at 11:20:22

Early goal to settle nerves, please. Preferably a Beto header to get him up and running.

John Hall 95 Posted 24/08/2025 at 11:34:31

Will Beto start? I'd try Barry after last week's performance by Beto

Mal van Schaick 96 Posted 24/08/2025 at 11:37:44

Would it be possible for Moyes to pick a balanced team by playing players in their correct position on their correct foot, and be properly organised to create chances through midfield or the wings. Do that and we will get the win.

Edward Rogers 97 Posted 24/08/2025 at 11:59:18

If McNeil plays left back, would we have the slowest back four in the Premier? We would have to sit 10 yards further back, thus leaving huge gaps in the middle of the park. Still think we'll sneak it tho' 🤞

Tony Abrahams 98 Posted 24/08/2025 at 12:00:45

My biggest thoughts today are going to be reserved for the people from KEIOC, Christine, because these great Evertonians refused to be moved.

Kirkby would have accelerated the speed of what was becoming a slow painful death. The new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey, is hopefully going to be a catalyst for a return to the glory days!

John Hall 99 Posted 24/08/2025 at 12:05:58

Will the fans behind the opposition goal suck the ball into the net? Hope so!

Dave Abrahams 100 Posted 24/08/2025 at 12:11:30

Christine (49),

I won't be the only one doing your bidding today, with an extra cheer or two for your uncle who introduced you to the Blues. I only hope that bleedin VAR doesn't make me cheer twice for the same bleedin' goal.

Best wishes as usual, Christine, I hope your screams of delight two or three times today don't upset your neighbours too much.

Rob Hooton 101 Posted 24/08/2025 at 12:39:18

Wish I could be there roaring the team on, hopefully we’ll see what the atmosphere can be like and there’ll be reasons for the crowd to make plenty of noise and back the blues. A couple of solid tackles and dodgy ref decisions often does the trick!

Stephen Davies 102 Posted 24/08/2025 at 12:48:00

Grealish to Start.

Sean Kearns 103 Posted 24/08/2025 at 13:06:38

The official opening of Goodison Park was 133 years ago today! 😢 incredible

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