Everton and Brighton Set for Historic Clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium
It has been just 99 days since Everton bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, and now a brand-new chapter is beginning. The Toffees step out at their new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, for the very first time in a competitive match, and the visitors for this special occasion are Brighton & Hove Albion. It’s a day of history, hope, and perhaps a little bit of nerves.
David Moyes, back at the helm, has already acknowledged that this season could be tough. Everton opened their campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Leeds, a result that dampened some of the excitement around the move to a new ground. Moyes admitted during his pre-match press conference that the club endured “a difficult window” and may have to fight hard to find momentum. Still, the manager is hoping that the fresh stadium atmosphere can spark improved home form, something Everton badly needs. Over the past three Premier League seasons, no ever-present team has fewer home wins than the Toffees, and last year’s tally of just five home victories was barely better than the relegated clubs.
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On the other side, Brighton arrives with their own frustrations. Opening day saw them surrender two points in the cruellest of fashions, conceding a 96th-minute equaliser to Fulham after leading for much of the game. This sense of déjà vu is not something their fans wanted to see repeated. Still, the Seagulls have reasons for optimism. They remain unbeaten in their last four visits to face Everton, winning three of those matches, and memories are still fresh of their 3-0 victory on Merseyside last season under new boss Fabian Hürzeler.
One player who loves this fixture is Danny Welbeck. He didn’t start Brighton’s opener, but his record against Everton is impressive: five goals and five assists in 18 appearances, plus strikes in each of his last two starts at Goodison Park. If selected, he’ll be eager to spoil Everton’s grand unveiling. Meanwhile, Brighton will also lean on the flair of Kaoru Mitoma and the creativity of Matt O’Riley, who has quickly established himself as a key figure.
For Everton, today is about more than three points. It’s about setting the tone for a new era. With Jack Grealish among the big names in Moyes’ squad, fans will be hoping for a statement performance. Injuries remain a concern — defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are sidelined — but the roar of over 50,000 supporters in a state-of-the-art stadium could provide the lift they need.
So, as Everton say hello to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Brighton will be trying to crash the party. Both sides are looking for their first win of the season, both have something to prove, and the stage could not be more symbolic. The outcome will not only shape the league table but also leave a lasting impression on the story of Everton’s new home.
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