Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Everton have had to endure a run of games in December which saw them face Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and a decisive fixture against Wolves, which the Toffees overcame. Everton are unbeaten in their last four, although they have recorded three consecutive draws including two clean sheets against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest are enjoying an amazing season under Nuno Espirito Santos, as the club sit inside the top four with a potential European place on offer come the end of the season. The visitors have won their last four games in succession, with a most recent 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur. This game will likely end in a draw by our prediction, as Everton are unbeaten at home in their previous five with four draws, whilst Nottingham Forest have won three of their last five away league games - Everton 1-1 Nottingham Forest

Everton host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, with both sides looking to continue strong recent form.

Date: 29/12/24

Kick-off time: 15:00

Venue: Goodison Park

The Toffees are unbeaten in four games, including three consecutive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City. Their recent stretch still leaves them in 15th place, and they are now three points clear of the relegation zone. Another positive result against another top opponent would increase the gap between themselves and the bottom three and give themselves some more breathing room.

However, it will be no easy task as they face a Nottingham Forest side who have enjoyed a sensational season, which has them in the top four heading into the new year. Forest are winners of four games in a row, including victories over Tottenham, Manchester United and Aston Villa. They were also the first team to beat Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Goals may be at a premium for the hosts, who have scored just 15 goals all season. Only Southampton have scored fewer. One goal has been scored in their last three, though they did score four in a 4-0 victory over Wolves at home. However, they come up against a Forest defence who have kept two consecutive clean sheets and allowed one goal in their last three.

At the other end, the visitors have been successful with eight goals in their last four. Five of them have come on the road. Most of the scoring load has been on the shoulders of Chris Wood, who has netted 10 times this season. The next highest scorer is Anthony Elanga with three, his latest the winner against Spurs last time out.

Since Forest’s promotion in 2022, these two sides have met four times in the Premier League. Everton have a good recent record in this fixture with two wins and two draws. Both wins came last season as the Toffees did the double over their opponents. They won 1-0 on the road, and 2-0 at Goodison Park. Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil were the goalscorers.

Everton vs Nottingham Forest will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Everton

Everton could be given a boost with the return of Dwight McNeil, who has missed the last three games with injury. Ashley Young will be eligible to return from suspension after missing one game due to an accumulation of five yellow cards. Iliman Ndiaye was substituted with a tight calf, but the hope is that he will be available at the weekend.

Nottingham Forest

Ryan Yates picked up a fifth yellow card of the season so will miss this game through suspension. Nicolas Dominguez is eligible to return following suspension. Danilo could be nearing a return after a long-term injury, but this weekend likely comes too soon.

Everton:

In their last five games, Everton have won one, lost one and drawn three. It has been a solid stretch for the Toffees, despite playing against some tough opponents. However, this run started with a 4-0 defeat at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirzkee were both on the scoresheet with braces.

They were on the right end of the same scoreline against Wolves as they returned to Goodison Park. Ashley Young and Orel Mangala put them 2-0 up at half-time, before a pair of own goals from Craig Dawson completed the scoring. A trip to the Emirates resulted in a huge point, with Everton holding Arsenal to a goalless draw.

Chelsea were their next opponents at home and another strong display ended with another stalemate. Both teams had excellent chances to take three points but neither could find the breakthrough. On Boxing Day they faced a trip to struggling Man City. They drew a third consecutive game, holding their hosts to a 1-1 draw. Bernardo Silva had given City the lead, but Iliman Ndiaye levelled the score before the break. Erling Haaland had the chance to put his side in front in the second half, but his penalty kick was saved by Jordan Pickford.

Nottingham Forest:

In their last five games, Nottingham Forest have won four and lost one. It has been an excellent stretch for Forest as their impressive season continues. This run started with defeat, however, as they lost 3-0 at the Etihad against Manchester City. Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku were on the scoresheet.

Forest enjoyed far more success on the red side of Manchester as they pulled off a stunning 3-2 win at Old Trafford. They took the lead twice through Nikola Milenkovic and Morgan Gibbs-White, before Chris Wood added a third to make it 3-1. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back, but United were unable to complete a comeback.

A huge third win came at home to Aston Villa. They were 2-1 winners but had to come from behind in dramatic fashion. Jhon Duran had given the visitors the lead but two goals in the dying minutes from Milenkovic and Anthony Elanga stole the three points. Last weekend, Forest became the first team this season to win away at Brentford. They won 2-0 thanks to strikes from Ola Aina and Elanga. Last time out, they hosted Tottenham. It was another victory as they won 1-0, the winner coming from Elanga.

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