Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton will each be aiming to dampen the other’s high spirits when they meet in the Premier League this weekend.

There’s been little for Toffees supporters to cheer as of late (past decade), but they delivered a standout performance last weekend to down Tottenham 3-2 at Goodison Park. The hosts roared into a 3-0 half-time lead during David Moyes’ second game back as manager but were eventually forced to hold on as Spurs rallied late.

Such performances will reassure a perpetually pessimistic fanbase that this team won’t be in the middle of a relegation dogfight under Moyes. Everton remain 16th in the table but they’re now four points clear of the drop zone having played a game less than their rivals.

However, Saturday’s visitors have their work cut out if they’re to build on last weekend’s win. Brighton have won three on the bounce and haven’t lost in seven games in all competitions. Fabian Hurzeler has impressively managed an injury crisis at the Amex, and the Seagulls can now look towards pushing for the European places.

Last Sunday’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford means they’re well in the mix even if their league position (ninth) didn’t change.

Here’s 90min’s guide to Saturday’s Premier League clash.

Brighton vs Everton head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Brighton’s injury woes are starting to ease, and Hurzeler will soon be able to welcome back Evan Ferguson, Brajan Gruda, Mats Wieffer, and Jack Hinselwood to his matchday squad after the quartet returned to training ahead of Saturday’s game.

Ferguson is unlikely to feature, however, with his future still up in the air as we veer towards the January transfer deadline. Joao Pedro should work in tandem with Danny Welbeck up top.

However, the hosts have a few concerns in defence with Lewis Dunk set to miss Everton’s visit and Igor ruled out for the season. Ferdi Kadioglu and James Milner also remain sidelined.

Brighton predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck.

There hasn’t been much change on the injury front for Everton since their 3-2 win over Spurs, and Moyes could name an unaltered starting XI on the south coast.

Jake O’Brien and Jesper Lindstrom, two summer arrivals, impressed down the right flank last weekend and could retain their respective places.

The Toffees are hopeful James Garner and Dwight McNeil will be back in action before the end of the month, while Seamus Coleman is only dealing with a minor muscular issue. Tim Iroegbunam, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti are all still sidelined.

Everton predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.

Everton have had success against Brighton in the recent past, although they were battered in the reverse fixture back in August. They at least head into Saturday’s game with some rare positive momentum and the hosts’ defensive absences should further buoy the visitors.

The Toffees played with swagger and verve last weekend against a vulnerable Tottenham, and they shouldn’t expect to scythe through Brighton as they did the Lilywhites. Hurzeler’s side are tough to beat, and their recent winning run will ensure they head into Saturday’s game bereft of trepidation.

Kaoru Mitoma has shone against the Toffees in recent meetings, and the Japanese international could inspire Brighton again this weekend.

Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Everton

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