PREVIEW: Brighton look to improve form as they host an in-form Everton | OneFootball

Everton travel south to face Brighton at the Amex Stadium, with both sides looking to push their way up the table.

Having become the latest side to succumb to the Harry Wilson last-minute sucker-punch at the weekend, Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton are in desperate need of turning their fortunes around after a barren run has left them looking down the table rather than up as of late.

Just two points from their rivals and 15th-placed Palace, the Seagulls have hit a lull after a strong start to their season.

Having won seven of their 23 Premier League games, Brighton have been almost formidable at home over the last two seasons, with 21 of their 30 points this season coming at the Amex, where they have only lost once all season.

This form mirrors the sides’ performances at home last season, when they were also nearly impenetrable.

The goalscoring exploits of veteran striker Danny Welbeck have surprised many this season, and the English striker’s Indian summer shows no signs of slowing down.

The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker has netted eight times in just 14 starts this season and has proved a strong mentor to youngsters such as Charalambos Kostulas, who is being primed to take the Englishman’s place next season.

Visiting the Amex on Saturday is an Everton side in a mixed batch of form as of late, with just one defeat in their last five Premier League games.

David Moyes’ side recovered from their stretch of defeats with an impressive victory away at Villa Park last week which was followed by a well fought home draw with Leeds where the Toffees will be disappointed that they weren’t able to come away with all three points.

Having a much stronger away form compared to their home form, the Toffees will be hoping they can snatch all three points and move back into the European places once again as they sit in a tightly congested part of the table alongside Sunderland, Newcastle, Fulham and Brentford.

With a slew of important players returning from injury or international duty, few have been as important and impactful as Iliman Ndiaye this season.

The tricky winger has dazzled many of the Premier League pundits and has dragged Everton to some important points, especially in the earlier periods of the season.

With his four goals and two assists so far this season, only Jack Grealish has provided more goal contributions to the side so far this season and only Thierno Barry has netted more times than the Senegal international.

Brighton have multiple injury worries to contend with, including Greek player Stefamos Tszmas, who is out with a confirmed ACL injury, which has plagued midfielder Adam Webster as well. There may be opportunities to feature on Saturday for players such as Solly March, Mats Weiffer and Brajan Gruda, which will further boost Hurzelers side.

Everton are coming back from what could be easily described as an injury crisis, yet are still without star player Jack Grealish, who is expected to miss the majority of the rest of his loan from Manchester City.

Centre-half Michael Keane is still suspended; meanwhile, Tim Iroegbunam may feature on the bench after recovering from a calf injury.

The game will not be shown live on UK television, with a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.