Idrissa Gueye was partnered with Tim Iroegbunam in the base of the midfield for Everton. Abdoulaye Doucoure took up his preferred role as a second striker or attacking midfielder in front of the duo.
Upfront, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was leading the line for Everton, aiming to bounce back from a disappointing start to last season. The striker only managed to find the net seven times in the league, making him the most underperforming player according to Opta.
The Toffees are known for their high-pressing style, as they were ranked fifth for tackles in the final third last season. They were set to face a Brighton team that had the most touches in their defensive third in the previous campaign, a weakness that Everton would try to capitalize on.
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Despite the challenges ahead, Everton seemed confident in their game plan and were ready to take on Brighton with their aggressive style of play. This match promised to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting playing styles.
“The midfield pairing of Gueye and Iroegbunam gives us great balance in the center of the park,” said Everton manager in a pre-match press conference.
“It’s crucial for Doucoure to link up with our attacking players and create chances for Calvert-Lewin,” added the manager.
The players were fully aware of the importance of the game and were focused on executing their game plan to secure a positive result. Everyone at Everton was looking forward to a successful start to the new season and believed they had what it takes to come out on top against Brighton.
