Everton has been struggling in the lower half of the Premier League for several years and continues to face challenges this season, currently sitting 15th in the standings. With limited points separating them from the relegation zone, their upcoming Boxing Day match against Manchester City is a daunting prospect.
However, Everton enters the match with some positive momentum, remaining unbeaten in their last three games. They secured an impressive 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton, followed by goalless draws with Arsenal and Chelsea.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest has been one of the season’s surprises. After narrowly avoiding relegation last year with a 17th-place finish, the team, now managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, has climbed to the top four, winning their last three matches. Forest defeated Manchester United 3-2, Aston Villa 2-1, and Brentford 2-0, and will look to extend their unbeaten run when they host Tottenham on Thursday.
Everton will miss long-term absentees Iroegbunam and Garner for this match. There is also uncertainty over winger McNeil, who has contributed three goals and three assists this season.
Defender Young returns from suspension. In attack, former Marseille player Ndiaye, with three goals, and Beto and Calvert-Lewin, both with two goals each, will be key figures. Midfielder Gueye, formerly of PSG, remains a central figure in the middle.
Forest will be without Danilo and Sangaré due to injury but will welcome back Nicolas Dominguez from suspension. Star striker Chris Wood, who has netted 10 goals this season, will lead the attack, with Gibbs-White, Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, and Anderson also crucial to the team’s success.
Prediction
Both teams have been involved in low-scoring games recently. Everton’s last five matches saw fewer than two goals, and seven of Forest’s last ten matches also had under 2.5 goals. Given these trends, a tight, low-scoring match is expected, with Nottingham Forest likely to win 1-0.
Prediction: Everton 0 – 1 Nottingham Forest
