Premier League action continues as Everton hosts Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Saturday, December 29th, 2024, at 9:00 PM (GMT). Under the management of Sean Dyche, Everton will look to secure vital points to push up the table, while Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest will aim to build on their strong performances this season and challenge for a mid-table finish.
Everton vs Nottingham Forest Form Guides
Everton
Everton has shown some solid strengths this season, particularly in aerial duels and stealing the ball from the opposition. With players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye leading the charge, Everton has been strong in attacking from the right and delivering crosses. However, their weaknesses in finishing scoring chances and keeping possession of the ball have been an issue, and they must improve in these areas to secure positive results.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest has been very effective in attacking set pieces and creating scoring chances, with players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood playing a key role in their offensive play. The team also excels in aerial duels and defending set pieces. However, like Everton, Forest struggles with keeping possession of the ball and finishing scoring chances. They will need to tighten up in these areas to ensure they remain competitive against Everton.
Everton vs Nottingham Forest Key Battles
Iliman Ndiaye vs Chris Wood
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, with 3 goals, faces Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood, who has scored 10 goals. Ndiaye has been a key player for Everton, contributing creatively and offensively, while Wood’s experience and clinical finishing have made him the top scorer for Forest. This battle between the two forwards will be pivotal in determining which side can make a greater impact in front of goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Morgan Gibbs-White
Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with 3 combined goals and assists, squares off against Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, who has contributed 5 combined goals and assists. Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence and aerial ability will be key in Everton’s attack, while Gibbs-White’s creativity and work rate have been crucial for Forest. This matchup will be important in deciding which player can create more chances and have a bigger influence on the game.
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Everton vs Nottingham Forest Tactical Outlook
Everton will look to use long balls, attacking down the right, and taking long shots as their primary offensive tactics. They are also strong in aerial duels and stealing the ball from the opposition. The team’s weakness in possession could lead them to focus on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities.
Forest will look to capitalize on their strong set-piece attacking play and ability to create chances through width and long balls. They have a solid aerial presence and will aim to exploit Everton’s weaknesses in possession. Defensively, they will need to be wary of any counter-attacks and capitalize on any chances to defend set pieces effectively.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In their head-to-head battles so far, Everton has claimed victory twice, Nottingham Forest is yet to secure a win, and two matches have ended in stalemates. With odds of 2.60 for an Everton win, 3.20 for a draw, and 2.80 for Nottingham Forest to win, bookmakers predict a closely contested match at Goodison Park.
Injury News and Suspensions
Everton
Everton’s squad is facing several fitness concerns, with Dwight McNeil and Iliman Ndiaye both doubtful due to knee and thigh injuries, respectively. The team will also have to cope without James Garner until early January 2025 as he recovers from a back injury. Seamus Coleman is also a doubt with muscle cramps, and Tim Iroegbunam is set to return by early January 2025 after a foot injury. Everton will need to navigate these absences as they look to maintain their form in the coming weeks.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest will be without Ryan Yates due to suspension, while Danilo’s broken ankle keeps him sidelined until early January 2025. Ibrahim Sangaré is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury and is expected to return by late January 2025. These absences leave Forest with several key players missing as they look to remain competitive during this period of adversity.
Everton vs Nottingham Forest Possible Playing Squad
Everton
Pickford (GK), Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Coleman, Ndiaye, Mangala, Gueye, Harrison, Doucouré, Calvert-Lewin
Nottingham Forest
Sels (GK), Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Aina, Anderson, Ward-Prowse, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Wood
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton vs Nottingham Forest | Sunday, December 29, 2024 | 2:15 AM (GMT) | Premier League | Villa Park, Liverpool, England |
Match Prediction
Everton will fight hard at Goodison Park, but Nottingham Forest’s strong attacking play and solid defensive setup should give them the upper hand in this matchup. Both teams will create opportunities, but Forest is likely to exploit Everton’s weaknesses in possession and finishing.
Score Prediction
A 3-1 victory for Nottingham Forest seems plausible, with Chris Wood finding the net twice and Gibbs-White also contributing to the scoreline. Everton will likely manage one goal, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin getting on the scoresheet.