Everton is about to kick off their inaugural official game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium this afternoon against Brighton & Hove Albion, a momentous event that manager David Moyes eagerly anticipates.
The Blues enter this match facing a significant defensive dilemma, as they will miss three crucial defenders: full-backs Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko, as well as centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Both squads face disappointing previous results; the Toffees recently faced a defeat against Leeds, while Brighton was only able to secure a draw at home with Fulham.
Everton must deliver a solid response following their lackluster performance at Elland Road, where they struggled to pose any significant attacking threat. Likewise, the Seagulls will be aiming to enhance their showing from last weekend.
This match presents the ideal chance for Grealish to showcase his skills to the Everton supporters after a brief appearance against Leeds. The winger undoubtedly possesses the talent to challenge the opposition.
Considering his experience with a leading Premier League team, Grealish appears poised to play a crucial part in guiding Everton’s attack this season.
Last year, Brighton triumphed in this matchup, securing a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park, with both Mitoma and Welbeck finding the back of the net. Everton has found it difficult in this fixture recently, failing to win any of their past four home encounters versus Brighton.
The Toffees have a history of sluggish starts at home, having lost their opening home game for the last three seasons. Moyes will be hopeful that the new stadium brings his team a stroke of good fortune.
Everton confirmed lineup
Starting XI: : Pickford, O’Brien, Garner, Tarkowski (c), Keane, Gana, Iroegbunam, Ndiaye, Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Barry.
Subs: Travers, McNeil, Beto, Chermiti, Coleman, Alcaraz, Aznou, Armstrong, Onyango.
Your Toffees for our first ever Premier League game at Hill Dickinson Stadium! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/YxgVx326fo
— Everton (@Everton) August 24, 2025
Brighton confirmed lineup:
Starting XI: Bart Verbruggen, Lewis Dunk (C), Jan Paul van Hecke, Yankuba Minteh, Carlos Baleba, Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma, Yasin Ayari, Mats Wieffer, Casper De Cuypers, Matt O’Riley
Subs: Steele, Gruda, Hinshelwood, Milner, Boscagli, Kadıoğlu, Gómez, Veltman, Coppola
TEAM NEWS! 🚨 Our #EVEBHA starting XI… 👀 pic.twitter.com/HuM9SiBzDP
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 24, 2025
