Paul Merson believes that Everton will secure all three points when they take on Brighton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Even though the Seagulls have registered three consecutive wins on the bounce, Merson says that their overall away form will let them down, paving the way for a home victory for the Toffees.
He has predicted a 2-0 win for Marco Silva’s players, claiming that the trio of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Bernard and Richarlison can cause real problems for their opponents.
“I know Brighton won at Newcastle but they tend to struggle at home, so I’m going for an Everton victory. In patches at Old Trafford, Everton were good and could have got a result,” he told Sky Sports.
“Brighton are quite solid, but only really at home, and I just think this Everton team have a bit about them with Richarlison, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bernard. That’s enough to open Brighton up.”
OPINION
Brighton have been on form recently, so it is surprising to see Merson predict a loss for them away at Everton. However, it is no secret that their away form is not the best, so it does not seem unlikely that they will fall to a defeat at the hands of Everton on Saturday. The Toffees have shown glimpses of real excellence recently, and that is all down to the midfielders that they have. Richarlison is great as always, Sigurdsson has the ability to pop up with a stunner, and Bernard and Andre Gomes have blown everyone away with their incredible passing. The Seagulls will no doubt have to defend well when they visit Goodison Park, as Everton will attack with every opportunity that they are presented with. Nevertheless, this fixture should make for an entertaining watch – and we will wait and see if Everton are capable of spoiling the party for Brighton.