Albion will be told to keep their shape, their patience and their collective balance against the massed ranks of Everton.

Even if they find themselves chasing the game.

The Seagulls trailed within a minute in this fixture last season.

At the time, they were still on a high from the win against Manchester United and the 6-0 mauling of Wolves and it felt like everything was possible.

So, once behind, they went out attacking with carefree abandon in minute two as if it were minute 90+2.

Everton happily picked them off and plundered an extraordinary 5-1 win.

For all his attacking flair and energy, Roberto De Zerbi is also big on patience.

He mentioned it at Bramall Lane when praising his side’s second-half performance against the ten men of Sheffield United.

And, at his press conference yesterday, he cited it as one of the requirements for this match.

So not like that they did on that rain-soaked Bank Holiday Monday in May, then?

“Last season, we lost balance,” De Zerbi told The Argus.

“We had a great energy to win that game because we were fighting to reach the Europa League but, during the game, we lost a lot of time the balance.

“We attacked with eight players and we can’t do that.

“We have to play with the right energy, the right spirit, but we can’t lose the balance.

“Especially if you play against McNeill, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin, Doucoure, Onana.

“They are powerful to score in counter-attacks.”

Everton had 22% of possession in that game last season and, it is worth remembering, Albion could have scored five themselves as they poured forward in the second half.

Jordan Pickford was a big reason why they didn’t.

It was seen on Merseyside as a hugely significant result with Everton followers mindful of what relegation might have entailed for a club with its off-field issues.

Like any team who have been hit by a points penalty, they are in a false position in the table in purely footballing terms.

Albion will build attacks aware of their opponents’ threat on the counter and must also be on guard at set plays.

De Zerbi warned: “If you know the characteristic and the qualities of the opponent, you have to be ready.

“You can't be unprepared on set-pieces if you play against Everton or against Newcastle.

“We know very well this part of the play and we have to be ready to defend in the best way, otherwise we can't win.

“Pickford is another important player for them, a crucial player with an incredible personality and is important to their style of play.”

Everton games have produced just 60 goals in total this season, easily the lowest tally in the Premier League.

Albion's have brought 88 goals.