The Premier League returns this weekend, and two sides with aspirations to excel beyond mid-table mediocrity lock horns in Merseyside as Everton take on Brighton & Hove Albion.
- Date: 17/08/2024
- Kick-off time: 9:00 EST
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool
Everton narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 15th in the table, although their performance was stronger than that position suggests. The Toffees were handed an eight-point deduction for financial breaches, a setback that would have seen them finish in 12th place without the penalty. Despite the challenges off the pitch, Everton managed to steer clear of danger with some degree of comfort, a testament to the effective, if unspectacular, management of Sean Dyche.
Dyche's Everton were not the most eye-catching side to watch last season, but they were resilient, organised, and difficult to beat. This pragmatic approach served them well, ensuring that they secured enough points to avoid a nerve-wracking end to the campaign. As they embark on a new season, they will be hoping to build on that solid foundation, although they will be doing so against a backdrop of significant upheaval.
The summer transfer window has been a busy one for Everton, with a number of key departures and arrivals reshaping the squad. The loss of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa will undoubtedly be felt. The Belgian midfielder was a crucial figure in the heart of Everton's midfield last season, providing energy, physicality, and quality on the ball in both defence and attack. Replacing him will be a tall order, and much will depend on how quickly the new recruits can settle in and fill the void.Among the new arrivals is Jake O'Brien, a centre-back who joins from Lyon. O'Brien is a promising defender, known for his aerial ability and calmness under pressure. He will likely slot into the heart of the defence alongside James Tarkowski, providing a solid foundation for Dyche's preferred defensive setup. Tim Iroegbunam, a midfielder arriving from Aston Villa, brings with him a blend of youth and dynamism. Although not a direct replacement for Onana, he has the potential to develop into an important player for Everton.
In attack, the acquisition of Jesper Lindstrøm from Napoli adds creativity and flair to a side that at times struggled to break down opposition defences last season. Lindstrøm is a versatile attacking midfielder, capable of playing across the front line, and his ability to create chances will be crucial in unlocking defences. The addition of Iliman Ndiaye, a centre-forward from Marseille, provides Everton with a much-needed goal-scoring threat. Ndiaye's pace and movement should complement the more physical presence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, assuming the latter can stay fit.
On the departures front, Ben Godfrey's move to Atalanta is another notable exit. Godfrey was a versatile defender for Everton, capable of playing both at centre-back and full-back. His departure leaves a gap in the squad, and Dyche will be hoping that O'Brien can quickly step up to fill that role.While there has been significant change on the pitch, it is the off-field issues that could have the most profound impact on Everton's season. The club is mired in financial difficulties, with large debts and ongoing uncertainty regarding a proposed sale. These distractions could easily seep into the dressing room, affecting performances on the pitch.
However, Sean Dyche is a manager with a reputation for maintaining focus and discipline, and he will be determined to ensure that the turmoil behind the scenes does not derail his side's efforts. Everton fans will be hoping that the stability Dyche has brought to the team will be enough to navigate these choppy waters.
Brighton & Hove Albion head into the new season with plenty of intrigue surrounding them. Last season, the Seagulls finished 11th in the Premier League, a respectable position but a step back from the heights they had previously reached under Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian manager, who had overseen some of the most successful periods in the club’s history, parted ways with the club by mutual consent over the summer. His departure marked the end of an era, and the arrival of Fabian Hürzeler, a 31-year-old coach from St. Pauli, signals the beginning of a new chapter.
Hürzeler’s appointment is a bold move by the Brighton board. At just 31 years old, he is one of the youngest managers in the Premier League, and his lack of experience at the top level will be a concern for some. However, he arrives with a growing reputation as a progressive coach, and his work at St. Pauli suggests he could be a good fit for Brighton’s philosophy.
The summer transfer window has seen significant activity at Brighton, with a number of new signings arriving to bolster the squad. Mats Wieffer, a defensive midfielder from Feyenoord, is perhaps the most notable addition. Wieffer is a strong, combative player, known for his ability to break up play and protect the back four. His presence in midfield should provide the defensive solidity that Brighton will need if they are to improve on last season’s performance.
Malick Junior Yalcouyé, a midfielder from Göteborg, is another intriguing signing. Yalcouyé is a box-to-box midfielder with a good range of passing and an eye for goal. His ability to drive forward with the ball and link up with the attack could be crucial for Brighton as they look to be proactive in possession under Hürzeler.
In the wide areas, Brighton have added Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland, Amario Cozier-Duberry from Arsenal, and Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United. These signings add depth and competition to Brighton’s wide options, with all three players known for their pace and ability to take on defenders. This injection of youth and speed will be key as Brighton look to play a more dynamic and aggressive style of football.
The departure of Pascal Groß to Borussia Dortmund is a significant loss. Groß was one of Brighton’s most influential players last season, providing creativity, set-piece expertise, and a knack for scoring important goals. His experience and leadership will be missed, and Brighton will need others to step up in his absence.With a new, inexperienced manager at the helm and a squad that has undergone significant changes, Brighton’s prospects for the coming season are difficult to predict. There is certainly enough quality in the squad to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, but whether they can push on and challenge for a place in Europe is another matter.
Much will depend on how quickly Hürzeler can implement his ideas and whether the new signings can hit the ground running. Brighton have a history of recruiting well and developing players, and they will be hoping that trend continues this season.
