With the appalling run of away games we have between now and Christmas, games like these are simply must wins. If we want to end the season in 7th, these games are simply must wins.
Basically, we need to win, in case that wasn’t so clear.
Brighton are a good team, and the litmus test of any progressive, attacking side is whether they can break down a gritty, well disciplined bottom half team, much like we could not do against West Ham. So, here is our second chance.
Chris Hughton has a strong defensive unit, as he always has, and we have never had an easy game against his team. Shane Duffy knows Everton all too well and alongside Lewis Dunk, Brighton have a very underrated, Burnley-esque pairing at the back which is never a good time for any striker.
On that note, the big debate this week (beyond Theo Walcott) seems to be about the Richarlison experiment. Is he a striker? Is he a winger?
I’m no scientist but here’s what I think…
