Everton FC vs Nottingham Forest FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Everton FC vs Nottingham Forest FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Nottingham Forest’s remarkable rise in the Premier League continues, with the Tricky Trees now eyeing an improbable Champions League spot as the season nears its halfway point. Fresh off a gritty 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Forest is brimming with confidence. However, their next test promises to be a stern one: Everton. The Toffees, unbeaten in their last four, have proven their mettle by holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. It’s a clash of two in-form sides, each eager to keep their momentum alive. 

Current Standings: With 17 points (3 wins, 8 draws & 6 losses), Everton is currently placed 17th in the league standings, while Nottingham is placed 4th with 16 points (10 wins, 4 draws, and 4 defeats). 

Head-to-Head Record: In 14 matches that have been played between the teams, Everton holds an advantage in this rivalry with an 8-4 win record.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Everton FC Preview

Everton has faced a gauntlet of tough fixtures in December, including Manchester City and Arsenal away, yet they've risen to the challenge brilliantly. Unbeaten in four games since their loss to Manchester United, the Toffees have also kept three clean sheets—a testament to their compact defence. As they prepare to face a tricky Nottingham Forest side, expect Everton to push hard in their quest for more valuable points.

Expect Everton to stick to their recent winning formula—relying on a rock-solid defense and patiently waiting for their opponents to falter. This calculated approach, built on discipline and precision, has paid off in recent games, and they’ll be eager to execute it again against Nottingham Forest. In short, they will pry on their rivals' patience. 

Everton has struggled offensively this season, scoring only 15 goals, the second-lowest tally behind Southampton, with 9 of those goals coming at home. Despite their scoring woes, they boast an impressive defensive record with seven clean sheets, the most by any team this season.

Team News 

Everton are hopeful Dwight McNeil can return to inject much-needed creativity against Forest, though the winger remains a doubt after missing three league games. Senegalese star Ndiaye, the hero at Man City, sustained a minor calf issue but could still feature. Meanwhile, Ashley Young is back from suspension, adding experience to the Toffees' lineup. 

Everton Probable XI - Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

They have done it again. Once again a big name has fallen to the plans and execution of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. This time around it was the turn of Tottenham, who got outplayed by the Trees’ direct play of waiting and hurting the team on the counters, navigating through Spurs’ 71% possession and 620 passes. All it took for the Trees was 28 minutes for the winner and 261 passesw overall in the match. 

The win brought the Trees within striking distance of the top three—just one point behind Chelsea and two shy of Arsenal. But Sunday’s clash with Everton poses a different challenge. Unlike Tottenham, Everton won’t blindly walk into a trap. The Toffees, much like the Trees, are patient and thrive on punishing mistakes. To succeed, the Trees must step out of their comfort zone and take the initiative in attack. 

It's all about finding the net this time, and Chris Wood is the man to watch for Nottingham Forest against Everton. With 10 goals in 18 matches, he’s been a standout in the league, and Forest will be counting on his firepower to make the difference. 

Nottingham Forest has been impressive on the road this season, collecting 17 points from 9 away games, a tally surpassed only by Chelsea and Liverpool with 20 points each. They are currently on a remarkable four-match unbeaten streak, having won all four games. Additionally, 29% of their goals have been scored during the 46th to 60th minute, showcasing their effectiveness in that period.

Team News

Ryan Yates is ruled out of Sunday’s clash after picking up his fifth booking of the season on Boxing Day. This opens the door for summer signing Elliot Anderson to partner with Nicolas Dominguez, who is the leading contender to step into the midfield battle.

Nottingham Forest Probable XI - Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Silva,  Wood

EVERTON FC vs NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC
Winning Prediction

Everton will look to end 2024 on a high note as they host Nottingham Forest in their final league game of the year, marking the first time since 2015 they've closed a season at Goodison Park. History favors the Toffees when they strike first, having secured eight wins against Forest without conceding. 

With their recent defensive form, this seems well within their reach. Meanwhile, Nottingham faces an uphill battle, boasting just one clean sheet in their last 16 clashes with Everton and haunted by memories of a 2-0 defeat on their previous Goodison trip.

As far as odds are concerned, most betting sites favor a marginal victory for the Toffees. Everton are tipped to win the match, with odds of 2.6 against Forest's 2.8 and odds of 3.2 for a draw. Given the defensive capabilities of both teams, it won't be a surprise if this match ends in a draw or a win by a solitary goal.

We Predict a Draw (0-0)

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