BRIGHTON have made their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign but face their toughest test so far when Rafa Benitez's Everton come calling.
The Seagulls are flying high after kicking off with wins over Burnley and Watford, with Graham Potter's men keeping the momentum going by beating Cardiff 2-0 in the League Cup.
That has raised hopes that they will avoid another relegation dogfight and this clash with the Toffees will give us a better indication of how the season will pan out for Brighton.
Everton have also made a strong start, following up a comeback win over Southampton with a credible 2-2 draw at Leeds last weekend, a game where our man Slips Tips struck gold with another bet builder.
They had to scrap to see off Huddersfield in the League Cup on Tuesday, with Moises Kean seeing red and the Terriers having a goal ruled out.
But Benitez has made a career out of digging deep to get results and the controversial appointment of the former Liverpool manager will be seen as a shrewd move if he can keep Everton on the up.
How the bookies view it
This is a tough one to call and it's reflected in the odds with Brighton 20/13 at SBK, Everton 23/10 at SportNation and the draw paying the same price at Mansionbet. Despite the superb start from Potter's side, it's Benitez who has the better players so I'm backing the Toffees at such a good price.
Recent head to head
There hasn't been much between the sides of late, with the last eight meetings producing four Everton victories, two Brighton wins and two draws. Last season it ended 0-0 at the AMEX after the Toffees had won 4-2 at Goodison (below).
Players to watch
Brighton's Leandro Trossard is always a threat and the Belgian chipped in with eight goals for club and country last term. He has yet to get off the mark this term and looks overpriced a 11/2 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has started well under Benitez (below), netting in both his appearances for Everton. The England international is 11/5 with Paddy Power to score which also looks great value.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams to score has landed in every Everton game this season so it stands a chance here at evens with SportNation. Brighton have scored twice in all their games and that also makes over 2.5 goals appealing at 6/5 with Bet365.
There's not much between these sides and they are both in good form, which makes the half-time draw a good shout at evens with McBookie.
Shane Duffy is back in the Brighton fold after a horror loan spell at Celtic and the big Irishman is often good value for a booking. He's 11/2 with Unibet to be carded which again looks pretty tasty.
This English Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton will be played on Aug 28, 2021 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brighton and Hove Albion vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
