Everton v Brighton: Calvert-Lewin a big price to carry on scoring

 Everton v Brighton: Calvert-Lewin a big price to carry on scoring

Dan Fitch is backing the Premier League's in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to continue his scoring streak, as he previews Everton's match with Brighton...

Everton 1.81 v Brighton 5.20; The Draw 3.90
Saturday 3 October, 15:00
Live on BT Sport 1

Much improved Everton make perfect start

It's been a fantastic start to the season for Everton, with Carlo Ancelotti's side claiming six straight wins across all competitions.

On Wednesday they progressed to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup with a 4-1 thrashing of West Ham that saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin score a hat-trick. It was the second time this season that Calvert-Lewin had scored a treble, with the 23-year old notching eight goals in five appearances this season.

The rapid evolution of Calvert-Lewin from a useful squad member to a prolific scorer is testimony of the ability of Ancelotti and his coaching staff, to improve players. Everton have also done great business in the transfer market, with the signings of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez, bolstering their midfield options.

Jonjoe Kenny and Richarlison both had to be substituted against West Ham, as they picked up knocks. They could join the injured Jarrad Branthwaite, Mason Holgate, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Cenk Tosun on the sidelines.

Brighton impress in defeats

Brighton have only won one of their first three Premier League games (W1 D0 L2), but even when defeated, have shown enough to suggest that they are a better team than last season.

In home losses to Chelsea (1-3) and Manchester United (2-3), Brighton were unfortunate to not pick up some points. They often dominated possession in those matches and created lots of chances, only to be beaten by more clinical opposition.

The 3-2 loss against Manchester United last weekend will have particularly hurt, in a match that saw the Seagulls hit the woodwork five times and concede a penalty in injury time. This is the harsh reality of life in the Premier League and the trip to in-form Everton is another tough fixture.

Brighton were beaten by Manchester United again in midweek when the sides faced off in the EFL Cup. Alireza Jahanbakhsh came off with a hamstring problems and joins an injury list that includes Christian Walton, Davy Propper, Jose Izquierdo and Florin Andone.

Another win for Everton

Everton are the 1.81 favourites, with the draw at 3.90 and Brighton at 5.20.

That looks a fair price for Everton and one worth backing. As much as Brighton have impressed this season, they've conceded six goals in three Premier League matches and Everton are now a side with firepower and creativity.

Should you want bigger odds for an Everton win, a home victory and over 2.5 goals is a good option at 2.70, as is an Everton win and both teams to score at 3.80.

In-form forwards promise goals

Over 2.5 goals is 1.94 as a standalone bet, with unders at 2.04. It's landed in two of Everton's three Premier League games and in all three of Brighton's matches.

Calvert-Lewin is currently the Premier League's top scorer with five goals. His price of 2.30 to score another looks generous against a Brighton team that look better going forward than they are defensively.

Brighton's Neal Maupay has scored three goals and is the side's penalty taker. He is available at 3.80 to add to his tally.