The Premier League clash between Everton and Nottingham Forest presents an intriguing match-up, as both teams navigate the complexities of the season. Everton, currently grappling with inconsistency at home, has recorded three consecutive draws against formidable opponents including Arsenal and Chelsea. Their performance at Goodison Park has been particularly underwhelming, with only nine goals scored in eight matches. In contrast, Nottingham Forest enters this fixture buoyed by a remarkable four-match winning streak following their recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur . This juxtaposition of form raises questions about which team can assert dominance on the pitch.
After a motivating draw away at Manchester City, Everton will return to Merseyside to welcome Nottingham Forest to play their final game of 2024. The Toffees have shown a lot of improvement since their defeat to Man United at the start of December. They have managed a win against the Wolves while playing out a draw each against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. Sean Dyche’s men will look to build upon their newly found confidence and end the year on a high.
Everton will be looking to give Goodison Park a proper send off in its final season having only managed two defeats all season at home so far in the Premier League - the same as their visitors who are flying high up the table ahead of the festive period. The Toffees sit just four points above the relegation zone and will be eager to extend that safety net going into the New Year.
However, they face a tough match against a Nottingham Forest side who are easily an early contender for overachievers this season. Ahead of Boxing Day, Nuno Espirito Santo's side sit in the Champions League spaces, a far cry to what many punters expected to be a mediocre season for Forest.
Everton possible starting lineup: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Silva; Wood
Something has to give on Sunday. Both teams prefer to play without the ball, but one must take the initiative. Everton, although at home, will likely allow the visitors to control possession, hoping to frustrate them with their mid/low block. Recent matches have seen Arsenal, Chelsea, and City struggle against the Toffees' rigid defense.
Nottingham Forest may face challenges if they lack space for transitions, with Hudson-Odoi ideally positioned to exploit a compact defense. Chris Wood's aerial prowess will be crucial against two solid Everton center-backs.
While the visitors have proven capable of neutralizing more coherent attacking units than Everton this season, we anticipate goals from both sides. End-of-year lapses could lead to a low-scoring draw.
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