Everton boast an excellent record in Brighton, unbeaten in five visits to Sussex, winning three of them, but the same is not true of their recent encounters on Merseyside.
The Seagulls avoided defeat during each of their last four trips to Goodison, winning three of them, so will they play the role of party-poopers?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion preview
It is time for Hill Dickinson Stadium to host a competitive football match for the very first time although, based on the evidence of Monday night, Evertonians might just be dreading the occasion. In their season opener at Elland Road, David Moyes' men were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United. The only goal came from the penalty spot six minutes from time, James Tarkowski penalised rather harshly for a handball, but, either-way, the Toffees were second-best throughout against a newly-promoted side.
Having concluded last season with just three defeats in 18, following Moyes' return, Evertonians came into this campaign with a new found sense of optimism, but that has been quickly extinguished. In terms of Premier League club opening new stadiums this century, Spurs and West Ham both recently marked such occasions with victories, but Arsenal, Man City and Southampton all failed to do so beforehand. So, will the Everton supporters have an historic victory to celebrate at Bramley-Moore Dock, or will they usher in the new era with a crushing defeat?
Well, given that Brighton & Hove Albion won three of their last four visits to Goodison, they appear perfectly placed to spoil the party. Although, the Seagulls started their own season by continuing an issue that hampered them last time round. The Albion were 1-0 up at home to Fulham, Matt O'Riley cooly converting a penalty shortly after half time, only for the visitors to equalise in the 96th minute.
Last year, Fabian Hürzeler's team threw away 22 points from winning positions, the vast majority of which came at home, narrowly missing out on European qualification by only four points. If they're going to secure a return to the continent, this issue cannot continue. Here though, will Brighton spoil Everton's grand-opening of their new stadium with a win on Merseyside on Sunday afternoon?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 27.
- Everton Wins: 12. Draws: 8. Brighton Wins: 7.
Everton team news
David Moyes is without defenders Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko due to injury, leaving him with very limited options. James Garner filled in at left-back against Leeds, but there is hope that Adam Aznou, a summer signing from Bayern Munich, could be available this time.
Further forward, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall made his debut from the start on Monday, before fellow new recruits Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry came off the bench, so will either come into the lineup?
Everton predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-3-3): Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Garner; Gana Gueye, Iroegbunam, Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz, Ndiaye; Beto.
Everton player to watch vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Fred Geary scored Everton's first-ever goal at Goodison in 1892, and Iliman Ndiaye is the most-likely player to achieve that feat at Bramley-Moore Dock. He scored 11 times during his debut season at the club, one of which was a penalty against Brighton, after which he was booked for impersonating a seagull; surely the most unusual card of the campaign.
Brighton & Hove Albion team news
Fabian Hürzeler is without Adam Webster, Tariq Lamptey, Jack Hinshelwood, Solly March, Tommy Watson, Stefanos Tzimas and Julio Enciso due to injury, but has plenty of options.
Left-back Maxim De Cuyper was the only summer signing to start against Fulham, while central defenders Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli were unused substitutes, with Jean Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk the first-choice duo for now. At the other end of the pitch, will Georginio Rutter continue to lead the line, chosen over Danny Welbeck and Charalampos Kostoulas?
Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs Everton: (4-3-3): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, van Hecke, De Cuyper; Ayari, Baleba, Rutter; Minteh, Mitoma, Welbeck.
Brighton & Hove Albion player to watch vs Everton
By coming off the bench against Fulham, James Milner featured in a 17th Premier League opening day fixture, taking his tally to 639 appearances in the competition, 14 shy Gareth Barry's all-time record. 33 of these matches have come against Everton, enjoying 14 wins and suffering only seven defeats, so which tally will he add to on Sunday?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction
As alluded to throughout, we fancy Brighton to spoil Everton's party. The Toffees looked blunt and toothless and Leeds, so the Seagulls' quality should see them prevail: Everton 1-2 Brighton.
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on TV channel?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada
How to watch Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on live streaming?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League?
Everton vs Brighton & Hove Albion takes place on Sunday 24 August 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (BST), 9:00 (EDT) & 6:00 (PDT).