Nottingham Forest vs Everton Preview

• Forest to win
• Více než 2,5 gólu

Nottingham Forest saw their six-match unbeaten run across all competitions came to an end last weekend as they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa. That result dealt a minor blow to their hopes of securing UEFA Champions League qualification, particularly with a host of clubs still in close pursuit despite confirmation that fifth place will now also guarantee a place in Europe’s elite competition next season.

With pressure building, Forest will be eager to avoid further slip-ups in their remaining fixtures.

Forest formidable against lower-half sides

There is reason for optimism at the City Ground ahead of this fixture, as Forest have a flawless record when it comes to facing teams currently in the lower half of the Premier League table. Nuno Espírito Santo’s men are unbeaten in all 14 such encounters this season (W13, D1), a remarkable run that has underpinned their top-four ambitions.

Defensively, they’ve also tightened up significantly, having registered four consecutive Premier League clean sheets at home.

One more shutout here would make it five on the bounce for the first time since 1980, during the managerial reign of the legendary Brian Clough. With Forest also targeting a first league double over Everton since the 1994/95 campaign, confidence should be high.

Everton playing for pride

The visitors have little left to play for this season. Fifteen points above the relegation zone and 17 adrift of the top six, Everton find themselves marooned in mid-table, with motivation perhaps a factor in their recent string of drawn results. Six of their last eight Premier League outings have ended level (W1, L1), and another stalemate here would mark their 15th of the season – the most since the 2012/13 campaign.

Despite the lack of tangible targets, Everton will draw encouragement from their record at the City Ground, having won three of their last four away league matches against Forest (D1). That is equal to their total number of victories from their previous 29 visits to this venue (W3, D6, L20), suggesting they are capable of springing a surprise.

Key players to watch

Nottingham Forest’s Jota Silva continues to make a compelling case for more minutes from the start. The forward has scored from the bench in three of his last four Premier League appearances, including in the recent loss at Villa Park.

If handed a starting role, he could be instrumental in breaking down a typically resolute Everton defence.

For the Toffees, Iliman Ndiaye has hit form at just the right time. He scored on his first start since returning from injury in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, and now boasts four goals from his last five Premier League starts.

His directness and finishing ability could pose Forest problems, especially on the counter-attack.

Head-to-head stats and recent form

• Forest are unbeaten in 14 Premier League matches against sides starting the round in the bottom half (W13, D1).
• They have kept four successive home clean sheets in the league.
• Everton have won three of their last four away league visits to the City Ground (D1).
• Six of Everton’s last eight Premier League matches have ended in draws.

Tactical overview

Expect Forest to maintain a high level of defensive discipline, especially at home where they’ve been particularly solid. Everton, meanwhile, are likely to sit deep and look to exploit space on the break. Set pieces may play a significant role, especially considering Forest’s aerial threat and Everton’s vulnerability when defending balls into the box.

Předpověď

With Forest’s excellent record against bottom-half teams and their current defensive form at the City Ground, the hosts should be well-placed to take all three points. Everton’s habit of drawing matches could see them keep things tight, but Forest’s attacking options off the bench may ultimately swing the match in their favour.

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Everton

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Nott’m Forest v Everton, 2024/25 | Premier League