Key Points
- Everton have confirmed their starting lineup for the Premier League match against Brighton at the American Express Stadium.
- Four centre-backs feature in the defence: Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Jarrad Branthwaite.
- Three changes made to the team following the recent 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
- Jordan Pickford starts in goal, with Thierno Barry leading the attack.
Amex Stadium (Liverpool Standard) January 31, 2026 – Everton have named a robust defensive lineup with four centre-backs starting against Brighton in today’s Premier League fixture.
The Toffees, sitting 10th in the standings, opt for a backline comprising Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, and Jarrad Branthwaite, as confirmed ahead of the clash at the American Express Stadium. Three alterations from the side that drew 1-1 with Leeds United see key returns bolstering the squad. Midfield duo James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye anchor the centre, supporting forward Thierno Barry.
What is Everton’s confirmed starting lineup?
Everton’s confirmed lineup features Jordan Pickford in goal behind the quartet of centre-backs: O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, and Branthwaite, with Vitaliy Mykolenko likely providing width. James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye form the midfield base, joined by Harrison Armstrong, while Dwight McNeil and others fill attacking roles ahead of striker Thierno Barry. This selection reflects a strengthened defence amid returns from international duty and injuries.
As reported by Last Word on Sports of Last Word on Sports, the lineup includes Pickford, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Branthwaite, Garner, Gana, and Armstrong, emphasising defensive solidity.
Why have three changes been made to the Everton team?
The adjustments follow Everton’s recent 1-1 draw at home to Leeds United, where Thierno Barry scored but the team managed only three shots on goal despite 58 per cent possession. Returns of players like Idrissa Gueye from AFCON and others from injury or suspension, including Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite, enable manager David Moyes to reinforce the backline with four centre-backs. No new signings in the transfer window heighten reliance on these recoveries.
Which players are back for Everton?
Key returns include Idrissa Gueye after AFCON success, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite who has played recent minutes, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Manager Moyes noted Michael Keane back, Branthwaite gaining minutes, and others like Charly Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam nearing full fitness, as covered by multiple outlets tracking team news.
What are the implications for Everton against Brighton?
Positioned 10th and level on points with teams around them, Everton aim to climb with a win over Brighton, managed by Fabian Hürzeler. The Seagulls face injuries to Adam Webster, Mats Wieffer, Solly March, and others, potentially exposing vulnerabilities. Everton’s pragmatic style could exploit this, with Thierno Barry’s five goals this season posing a threat up top.
Brighton predicted lineups across reports consistently feature Bart Verbruggen in goal, Lewis Dunk in defence, and Danny Welbeck leading the attack, setting up a tactical battle of possession versus organisation.
