Everton vs Brighton predictions: The Seagulls can take off at Goodison Park

– Everton have won their last five Premier League games at Goodison Park without conceding a single goal.
– Brighton have won all four friendlies ahead of the new season
– Recommended use: Brighton Draw no bet

Everton will be hoping for a fresh start in the Premier League when they host Brighton at Goodison Park on the opening weekend of the new season.

Sean Dyche's team was among the relegation candidates last season and the former Burnley coach sees the summer as a new beginning.

While Everton held on to Dyche, Brighton turned to Fabian Hurzeler after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi and the signs in pre-season were positive.

Everton head coach Dyche will have to do without Jarrad Branthwaite, who is injured due to a groin injury. The centre-back is not expected back until September. Youssef Chermiti and Nathan Patterson are also out until next month.

Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and James Garner must pass fitness tests to be eligible and all are considered doubtful.

Brighton's left-back Pervis Estupinan will be out until mid-September with an ankle injury, and Billy Gilmour will also miss the match due to a muscle injury.

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has suffered an injury and is likely to return later this month, while Julio Enciso and Solly March are doubtful due to knee injuries.

Despite occasional difficulties last season, Everton finished the year in top form, winning five consecutive home games without conceding a goal.

They have only won eight times at home all season, but their ability to get going in the closing stages of the season suggests that Dyche has finally put his players in a good position.

Brighton won just one of their last ten Premier League games last season, but under a new manager fans are expecting a better start.

Brighton hit the ground running under Hurzeler, winning all four of their pre-season friendlies and scoring 14 goals.

The Seagulls have made some promising new signings with Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer, Brajan Gruda and Ibrahim Osman.

With Kaoru Mitoma fit again and Joao Pedro also set to start, Brighton should be able to get off to a quick start away from home.

On another day an away win would be tempting, but the safer bet is Brighton in the Draw No Bet market, especially given Everton's home record and the fact that Saturday's game is on the opening weekend.

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