Everton vs Nottingham Preview

• Draw or Forest win
• Under 3.5 goals

Everton host Nottingham Forest in their final Premier League match of 2024, aiming to extend their positive run of form and gain valuable points in their fight to steer clear of relegation.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest arrive as one of the league’s surprise packages, firmly entrenched in the top-four after a historic Boxing Day victory.

Everton: Solid, But Still Vulnerable

Sean Dyche’s Everton have shown resilience in recent weeks, suffering just one defeat in their last eight league matches (W1, D5).

While they’ve struggled to convert draws into wins, holding Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City to stalemates highlights the Toffees’ defensive solidity and ability to frustrate top teams.

Despite their recent form, Everton are just three points above the relegation zone, meaning a positive result is crucial to avoid being dragged deeper into the battle for survival.

History favours Everton, with the Merseysiders losing just one of the last nine H2Hs against Forest (W6, D2). Last season, Everton did the double over Forest, winning both matches with clean sheets, a feat they’ll look to replicate here.

Key Player: Jordan Pickford

Pickford was instrumental in Everton’s recent draw with Manchester City, saving a penalty from Erling Haaland to secure a point. His form and leadership will be vital as Everton aim to thwart Forest’s dangerous attack.

Nottingham Forest: Dreaming of Europe

Forest’s remarkable season hit another high on Boxing Day with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, marking their fourth consecutive Premier League win and solidifying their place in the top-four.

Their run of form, the club’s best in the top-flight since 1995, is fuelled by a mix of tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

A significant factor in Forest’s success is their ability to score first, doing so in a league-high 14 matches this season. They’ve proven adept at holding onto leads, with their last three away victories all coming after opening the scoring and scoring at least two goals. Anthony Elanga’s recent form has been particularly impressive, with the Swede scoring in three consecutive games for the first time in his career.

Key Player: Anthony Elanga

Elanga has become Forest’s talisman, scoring in three consecutive league matches after failing to find the net in his prior 28 appearances. His pace and finishing will test Everton’s defence.

Tactical Battle

• Everton’s Approach:
   Dyche will aim to make this a gritty, physical contest, relying on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. With Pickford in goal and James Tarkowski marshalling the backline, Everton will look to frustrate Forest and exploit set-pieces and wide areas.
• Forest’s Approach:
   Forest’s game plan revolves around striking early and maintaining defensive discipline. With Elanga’s pace and Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity, they’ll aim to stretch Everton’s defence and create opportunities on the counter.

What’s at Stake?

• Everton: A win would provide breathing room above the relegation zone and cap off 2024 on a positive note.
• Nottingham Forest: Victory would further cement their position in the top-four, keeping their remarkable European push alive.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Everton have lost just one of the last nine meetings with Forest (W6, D2).
• Nottingham Forest have scored first in a league-high 14 matches this season, winning most of those contests.
• Everton secured clean sheet wins in both matches against Forest last season.
• Anthony Elanga has scored in three consecutive games for the first time in his career.

Prediction

Everton’s home advantage and recent defensive solidity could make this a challenging test for Forest, but the visitors’ form and clinical finishing make them a formidable opponent. Expect a tight contest with both sides finding the net, but Forest’s momentum may give them the edge.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Nottingham Forest

This clash offers contrasting stakes, with Everton fighting to avoid relegation and Forest pushing for European dreams.

Can Dyche’s Toffees frustrate the high-flying visitors, or will Forest’s fairytale season continue? Fans at Goodison Park can expect a hard-fought encounter to close out 2024.

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Everton v Nottm Forest, 2024/25 | Premier League