Sean Dyche is eager for Everton to move past last season's difficulties and start the Premier League on a high note against Brighton on Saturday. Despite facing two points deductions last season, Everton managed to avoid relegation with a strong finish. Their pre-season began poorly, but they ended positively with a win over Preston North End and a draw with Roma.Brighton is gearing up for their first season under new manager Fabian Hurzeler. They had an impressive pre-season, winning all four games, scoring 14 goals, and conceding just three. James Milner noted that Hurzeler has already made his mark, blending styles from previous managers Roberto De Zerbi and Jurgen Klopp.Everton will be missing key players like Jarrad Branthwaite for their opener. However, Dyche remains optimistic about the upcoming season. "You get the sense that after last season's challenges and the positive end, I think there is more calmness and positivity," Dyche said during his press conference.Jordan Pickford will be crucial for Everton if they want to avoid starting their campaign with a defeat for the third consecutive year. Everton lost their opening Premier League match in each of the last two seasons by 1-0 at home to Chelsea (2022-23) and Fulham (2023-24).Evan Ferguson is one to watch for Brighton. He scored in Brighton's 4-1 win against Luton Town on the opening weekend of the Premier League last season. Michael Owen is the only teenager to score on MD1 in more than one campaign (1997-98 and 1998-99).Dyche mentioned that Everton has been working hard collectively with scouts to bring in players who fit into the club. "The only balance to that is that they don't have much Premier League experience, so it is how quick they can be effective and adapt," he added.

Match Prediction: Everton Win

Everton won their first four home Premier League games against Brighton but are winless in their last three at Goodison Park (drawing one, losing two). However, Dyche's side has won five of their last eight Premier League games (drawn one, lost two), having been winless in their previous 13 (drawn six, lost seven).Brighton has started their last three seasons with victories but struggled at the end of last season, losing their final two games to Chelsea and Manchester United. They aim to win their opening league game for four consecutive seasons for the first time ever."The manager has been very clear about what he wants from us as a team and individuals," Milner told Sky Sports. "He has put his own stamp and intensity on things; he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball."The team scoring first has never lost a Premier League meeting between Everton and Brighton (won 10, drawn three). Last season both matches ended 1-1 after Everton took a 1-0 lead.New manager Hurzeler hopes to start his tenure with a victory. Born in February 1993, he will be the first manager born after the Premier League started to take charge of a game.

In the zone ahead of the weekend pic.twitter.com/uk0KF9Nw0f

@Everton August 15, 2024

Some extra BTS pics from media day! pic.twitter.com/Dei7EmMX1L

@OfficialBHAFC August 14, 2024

According to OPTA WIN PROBABILITY: Everton aims to build on their strong finish from last season while Brighton looks forward to starting fresh under new management. The clash promises excitement as both teams seek early momentum in this Premier League campaign.