Everton predicted XI vs Brighton: Moyes trusts defensive steel as Toffees chase league double | OneFootball

Everton head to the south coast on Saturday afternoon knowing a positive result against Brighton & Hove Albion could further fuel their push towards the European places.

Separated by just three points in the Premier League table, Everton travel to the Amex sitting 10th, while Brighton occupy 12th and are eager to climb back into the top half.

With their recent away form proving imperious, Everton boss David Moyes will quietly fancy his side’s chances.

Match preview

Brighton’s season has stalled in recent months.

Since the start of December, only two teams have collected fewer league points than Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who have won just once in their last 10 Premier League matches.

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat was particularly damaging, with the Seagulls conceding a 92nd-minute winner after leading for much of the contest.

Slow starts have been a recurring issue, too. Brighton have been behind at half-time more than any other team this season.

Meanwhile, Everton arrive in mixed but encouraging form.

A disciplined 1-0 win at Aston Villa was followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Leeds United, yet Moyes’ side remains firmly in the European conversation.

Defensive solidity has been Everton’s foundation, especially on the road.

The Toffees have kept five clean sheets in their last six away league games and are unbeaten in three consecutive trips, a run that underlines their growing resilience.

Having beaten Brighton 2-0 in August, Everton now have a rare opportunity to complete the league double.

Match stats

Brighton are winless in their last five home Premier League games against Everton (D2, L3).

Everton have kept five clean sheets in their last six Premier League away matches, including the last three in a row.

The Toffees have scored just 25 league goals this season, the fewest of any team currently in the top half, making defence their best shot at a victory.

Everton team news

Everton loanee Jack Grealish is out for the rest of the season with a foot stress fracture. Tim Iroegbunam and Carlos Alcaraz will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Michael Keane returns from suspension and is expected to slot straight back into central defence alongside James Tarkowski.

That move should see Jake O’Brien shift to right-back, with Nathan Patterson dropping to the bench.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are nearing full fitness. The 27-year-old could start his first game since December 13.

In attack, Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil are set to continue out wide.

In-form Thierno Barry has responded to critics with four goals in his last five league outings and leads the line once more.

Everton predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford; Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Idrissa Gueye, James Garner; Iliman Ndiaye, Harrison Armstrong, Dwight McNeil; Thierno Barry.