Everton prepares to christen their new Hill Dickinson Stadium with a Premier League match against Brighton. David Moyes expresses excitement but acknowledges the challenge posed by Brighton. Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, shows respect but aims to challenge Everton. Players to watch include Carlos Alcaraz for Everton and Danny Welbeck for Brighton. Match prediction leans towards a draw, considering historical data and current form. Opta’s win probability gives Brighton a slight edge.
David Moyes is buzzing with anticipation as Everton prepares to inaugurate their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with a Premier League clash against Brighton this Sunday. The Toffees are eager to bounce back from a narrow defeat against Leeds United in their season opener, a match that saw them concede a late penalty at Elland Road. The atmosphere surrounding the new stadium is electric, and Moyes is hopeful that the team can quickly adapt and make it a fortress.
Last season, Everton bid farewell to their beloved Goodison Park in style, securing a 2-0 victory over Southampton. Iliman Ndiaye's brace ensured a memorable send-off. Now, with a state-of-the-art stadium at their disposal, the club is looking to usher in a new era of success. However, Moyes remains cautious, acknowledging the challenge that Brighton poses.
"We're all really looking forward to the new stadium," Moyes stated. "It's something that’s been on the horizon for so long, and it’s now here. We hope we can get used to it as quickly as we can. Everyone knows a new stadium is never that easy, but it’s something we’re really excited about now."
Moyes has a healthy respect for Brighton, recognizing their astute business model and the quality of their squad. "Brighton are a very progressive football club who do a good job year-on-year. They buy and sell extremely well," he noted. "Their model is very good for what their club needs, and more importantly, they’ve got a really good football team."
Preparations continue for the first @premierleague matchday at our new home. pic.twitter.com/tcDvhvytYV
— Everton (@Everton) August 21, 2025
Brighton themselves will be looking to improve after dropping points late in their opening game against Fulham, conceding a 97th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw. Manager Fabian Hurzeler is confident his team can challenge Everton in their new home, while also acknowledging the impact of Everton's loan signing, Jack Grealish.
"The atmosphere [at Goodison Park] was a special atmosphere so I expect the same this weekend," Hurzeler said. "We are looking forward to seeing the new stadium but we are not there to be the nice club. Moyes’ teams are always very organised and difficult to create chances [against]. You have to be awake all the time. Grealish is a great signing and I’m sure he will help Everton, he is an unbelievable talent." Hurzeler's comments highlight the respect Brighton has for their opponents, but also their determination to spoil the party at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everton – Carlos Alcaraz
Despite a goalless outing against Leeds, Carlos Alcaraz showed glimpses of his potential and was one of Everton's standout performers. The 22-year-old, who bagged two goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances last season, registered Everton’s only shot on target and had the most touches in the opposition box. His creativity and attacking intent will be crucial if Everton are to break down Brighton's defense.
Brighton – Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck has a remarkable record against Everton, having been involved in 10 Premier League goals in 18 appearances (five goals, five assists). He’s one of only nine players with both five goals and five assists against the Toffees. Welbeck has also found the net in his last two away starts against Everton, making him a significant threat. However, he only featured as a substitute against Fulham, so his fitness level remains a question mark.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The inaugural competitive match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium adds an element of unpredictability to this encounter. History suggests that new stadiums can be a mixed bag for teams, with only one of the ten clubs to have played at two different permanent home grounds in the Premier League losing their first such game at their new home. Everton will be eager to avoid becoming the second.
Everton's recent home form has been patchy, as they are looking to avoid an unwanted record. They have lost their first two games in each of the last three seasons, with no team in English top-flight history having lost their first two matches in four consecutive seasons (without a relegation between). They also need to improve on their recent scoring record at home, having failed to score in their last three Premier League matches at Goodison Park. On the other hand, Brighton are undefeated in their last four visits to Everton. The Seagulls ended the 2024-25 campaign with two away wins on the bounce. They last won three away games in a row in January 2023, the third of which was away at Everton.
Everton will need to be wary of Jan Paul van Hecke, who made 29 line-breaking passes in Brighton’s first game of the season, 12 more than any other player. His ability to find teammates in dangerous positions could unlock Everton’s defense. A draw seems a likely outcome, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the two teams and the unique circumstances surrounding the game. It's a game neither side can afford to lose.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Everton – 32.4%
Draw – 26.8%
Brighton – 40.9%