Match Readiness Report: Everton vs Brighton

1. Main Players Comparison

Everton

Core: Jordan Pickford (38 apps, GK), Tarkowski (33 apps, 1G, 1A), Gueye (35 apps, 3G), Doucouré (31 apps, 3G, 2A – has left).
Attack: Ndiaye (9G), Calvert-Lewin (3G), McNeil (4G, 6A), Thierno Barry (11G, 4A in 2325 mins).
Output: ~30 goals, ~15 assists from key players.
Defensive Stability: Normally strong with Branthwaite & Mykolenko, but Branthwaite is out (hamstring), Mykolenko doubtful → forces makeshift backline.
System Note: James Garner deputized at left-back vs Leeds and may repeat if Mykolenko is unavailable.

Brighton

Core: Bart Verbruggen (36 apps, GK), Dunk (23 apps), Van Hecke (33 apps), Baleba (3G, 1A).
Attack: Mitoma (10G, 4A), Welbeck (10G, 4A), João Pedro (10G, 6A – left), Minteh (6G, 4A).
Output: ~36 goals, ~20 assists.
Defensive Unit: Estupiñán has left, Webster (injured), Lamptey (out), weakening defensive rotations.

Verdict: Brighton edge attacking output, while Everton’s defensive absences may expose them despite Pickford’s reliability.

2. New Players Comparison

Everton

Arrivals: Barry (11G, 4A), Alcaraz (2G, 3A), Grealish (1G, 1A).
Impact: Barry’s goals have been crucial, Alcaraz improves midfield transitions, Grealish still adjusting but provides creativity.
Verdict: ~14 goals + 8 assists from new signings → meaningful attacking reinforcement.

Brighton

Arrivals: Wieffer (1G, 4A), O’Riley (2G, 2A), Rutter (5G, 3A), Boscagli (1G, 6A).
Impact: Midfield creativity bolstered by O’Riley & Wieffer, Rutter offers versatile forward play, Boscagli strengthens defense.
Verdict: Additions bring balance and control, though not as goal-heavy as Everton’s Barry.

3. Substitutes Comparison

Everton

Impact Players: Beto (8G), McNeil (4G, 6A), Keane (3G), Lindstrøm (1A).
Totals: ~15 goals, ~7 assists.
Depth Note: Patterson close to return, Grealish pushing for starts, making the bench stronger.

Brighton

Impact Players: Adingra (2G, 2A), O’Riley (2G, 2A), Gruda (1G, 4A).
Totals: ~7 goals, ~8 assists.
Depth Note: Injuries to March, Lamptey, Enciso limit substitute effectiveness.

Verdict: Everton’s substitutes more dangerous (15G vs Brighton’s 7G).

4. Key Missing Players Impact

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite (Out, hamstring): Major defensive loss – his aerial dominance and recovery pace were key to Everton’s solidity. Michael Keane is less reliable, leaving more vulnerability against pace (Mitoma/Minteh).
Vitalii Mykolenko (Doubtful): If absent, Everton must play Garner at LB, which reduces midfield control and creates imbalance on the flank.
Nathan Patterson (Returning): Boosts right-back depth, but not fully match-fit.

Overall Impact: Everton’s defense loses shape and balance without Branthwaite/Mykolenko, forcing makeshift solutions.

Brighton

Adam Webster (Out, knee): Weakens CB depth, forcing Van Hecke + Dunk pairing with limited rotation.
Solly March (Out, knee): Huge blow to wing creativity and pressing – removes one of Brighton’s wide threats.
Tariq Lamptey (Out, recurring injury): Loss of pace and overlapping threat on the right.
Julio Enciso (Out): Another creative forward option sidelined, reducing bench firepower.

Overall Impact: Brighton’s defense is patched and wide creativity suffers without March & Lamptey, limiting wing overloads and transitions.

5. Consolidated Quality Scorecard

6. Predicted Outcome

Momentum & Depth: Everton stronger bench, Brighton stronger XI.
Attacking Balance: Everton depend on Barry/Ndiaye + Beto off bench; Brighton more balanced with Mitoma, Welbeck, Minteh.
Defensive Solidity: Both weakened - Everton without Branthwaite, Brighton without Webster + Lamptey.

Likely Result:
A tight clash with defensive gaps on both sides. Everton may edge it late with Beto or Barry impact, but Brighton’s frontline creativity is dangerous if Mitoma shines.

Expected Scoreline:
- Draw - Everton 1 – 1 Brighton