By Alice de Koster-Kitto and Alyce Collett (27/9/25)
Above: Brighton v Everton last season. Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images.
The WSL continues this weekend for gameweek three. Following last weekend’s huge win over West Ham, Brighton are feeling confident. Can they hold on to this confidence against a Toffees’ team that can be dangerous? Or will Everton rediscover their opening day form?
Recent form
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion are currently sixth in the WSL, just one place above their opponents, Everton, which is sure to make for a contentious and unpredictable meeting.
They enter WSL round three on four points, following a massive 4-1 win over West Ham United at Broadfield Stadium last weekend. Despite just two wins over all competitions thus far, Brighton have managed to put on a string of solid performances, while overcoming numerous setbacks and disruptions from an onset of injury in the squad.
The squad have managed to keep possession and dominance fairly even, and haven’t shied away from creating big opportunities against threatening sides. Their ability to control the game and remain stable on the pitch will certainly pose them as a side to watch this round.
Everton
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the Toffees.
They could not have gotten their season off to a more perfect start on the opening weekend, beating cross town rivals Liverpool 4-1 and absolutely dominating proceedings after a bit of a slow start to the game.
However things have not gone as well for Everton in recent weeks, first losing 2-0 to Tottenham then losing 2-1 last weekend to the recently promoted London City Lionesses.
They come into this weekend’s league match off the back of a 3-1 midweek loss to Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup.
But with so many new players into the squad this year, it is arguable that the teething issues of connection are in part to blame.
Head to head
Since Brighton’s first season in the WSL back in 2018/19, the Seagulls and Toffees have played each other 14 times. The head to head record is very much in favour of the hosts, with the Seagulls having won six of the matches while Everton have only won four, with four of the matches resulting in draws.
The last time these two sides met was back in April this year and saw Brighton come away with a 3-2 win. After clawing back a draw from the jaws of defeat twice during the match, the Seagulls pinched the goal in second half stoppage time to come away with the win.
If basing this match prediction on the most recent results, Brighton have been the dominant of the two, in both tactical play and result. However, Everton have put up a fair fight, and could definitely aim to take advantage of their opponents’ recent misfortune.
What the Coaches Said
Brighton
Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic is looking to build on the momentum of the Seagulls’ recent win, following a “well polished performance” against West Ham.
He emphasised the importance of consistency, hoping his side “create that as a habit, to win and to go in with that mentality”.
“We were a bit unlucky in round one” added Vidosic, as he acknowledged the adversity within the squad, adding “It’s hard to expect everything to be at it’s perfect forward best when we make so many changes”.
“We had players that came in late in the pre season, a few that were recovering from injury so that slowed it down”
Despite recent losses, Vidosic has emphasised his trust in his squad: “I have a lot of trust in the squad, (there’s) a lot of good depth”. He remains confident the Seagulls can continue to control the game and extend their excellent history against the visitors.
“We’re confident with whoever’s put out to play will be able to do the job and help us get those three points”.
Everton
Everton coach Brian Sorenson is fully aware of the challenge that is in front of his team this weekend.
“Brighton are a good team. It looks similar to last season in terms of how they approach things,” Sorenson said. “They are well coached and have brought in good players. Fran Kirby looks very good at the moment, you need to shut that down.”
However, Sorenson’s task will be that much harder than usual this weekend, with two of his most important players unavailable for selection.
“Courtney [Brosnan] is out and Kelly [Gago] is out with a concussion. We have a couple of knocks we are assessing today, but I don’t think it’s anything major,” he confirmed.
Everton are looking to get back on the winners list after three consecutive losses across all competitions.
“I think it was good learning for us against City,” Sorensen said, reflecting on his side’s mid week Women’s League Cup loss to Manchester City.
“If you look at the chances we created, we could have scored a lot more. There was a few lapses of concentration which we need to work on. But, I was happy with the progress.
“On Sunday, we know that we have to get 90 plus minutes right. The effort has to be there all the time. We know we have the skills and tools to do something against them.”
Brighton v Everton kicks off at 12pm UK time on Sunday. The match will be broadcast live on the WSL Youtube channel.
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