Everton looking to get back to winning ways as they host Brighton at Goodison Park

Brighton and Everton will look to end their bad runs of form as they are set to lock horns at Goodison Park.

Last time out for the Toffees, they narrowly lost in the league to Manchester City. An early brace from Gabriel Jesus gave the Citizens a cushion. Richarlison created a small comeback for Everton but they were unable to get a second. In the third round of the FA Cup, Everton lost out to a youthful Liverpool team after a fantastic strike from Curtis Jones secured the Reds the win to progress to the fourth round.

Brighton & Hove Albion were able to get a better result in the league as they drew 1-1 against Chelsea. Cesar Azpilicueta opened the scoring for the Blues with Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s fantatsic overhead kick securing the Seagulls a point. They weren’t as lucky in the FA Cup narrowly losing out to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. Adam Reach’s goal was enough to give Wednesday the win.

Team news

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad following the FA Cup defeat against Liverpool.

Alex Iwobi remains out, while Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are the only other absentees.

Brighton defender Dan Burn faces two months on the sidelines after sustaining a broken collarbone, but Glenn Murray returns after a knock.

Aaron Mooy faces a fitness test, while Solly March is available after eight games out.

Carlo Ancelotti says Everton must “look forward” and seize a “great opportunity” to climb the Premier League table.

“We have to look forwards,” emphasised Ancelotti.

“We have a great opportunity to improve our position in the table.

“I understand the fans’ frustrations, it is normal when you lose a derby.

“I hope tomorrow [Saturday] the atmosphere will be good. We need the support of our fans and a great performance to react well after the defeat [against Liverpool].

“We have worked well this week and I hope tomorrow we will give a good performance.

“And most importantly try to win.

“Nothing changed [in terms of ambition]… we did well in the first two games [under Ancelotti]and have the opportunity in the next few games to improve our position.

“Our target is to go up the table.”

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Graham Potter and Carlo Ancelotti will go head to head on the touchline at Goodison Park tomorrow afternoon, and the Italian is an example of the high-calibre manager Potter has come up against this season.

“Carlo is a big name and I’m fortunate in this league because every week we’re coming up against the best which of course can only help you improve yourself. I’m looking forward to meeting him and coming up against him in the match.

“They are a good side who have invested a lot of money in their squad over the last few transfer windows.

“They have a lot of talent and I’m sure they’ll want to react to the defeat to Liverpool at the weekend and we have to be ready for that.”

Head-to-head

The home side has never lost in five Premier League meetings (W4, D1). The Toffees have won both games at Goodison Park. Brighton are winless at Goodison Park in all competitions, drawing twice and losing five times.