Brighton have had a tough time dealing with Everton in recent encounters and we think this one will play out similarly. We expect a very tight encounter with few goals, playing out similarly to the two draws that these two contested last season.
New signing Yankuba Minteh has looked a handful for Brighton in preseason and after impressing on loan at Feyenoord last season, he could be in for a breakout year this season. The Gambian managed an average of 3.46 shots per 90 minutes last season so he'll likely pounce on any sight of goal to register a few shots.
Everton are very strong at nullifying their opponents' threats and we think that will be on full display here, and while relative impotence up top holds them back at times we think they've got enough to claim a big win on the opening weekend. Everton 1-0 Brighton.