Nottingham Forest and Everton lock horns for the second time this month with both sides eager to put recent frustrations behind them and close out the year on a positive note. Forest may sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but their form has dipped alarmingly, with three defeats from their last four Premier League outings, Softfootball reports.
Saturday’s narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester City was another reminder of their fragility, and returning to the City Ground does not automatically guarantee relief, given they have managed just three wins from their last 13 home league games.
That said, history offers Forest a glimmer of optimism. They have developed a habit of finishing the calendar year strongly, winning their final league game in both 2023 and 2024, with last season’s victory coming against none other than Everton. Replicating that feat would ease mounting pressure and restore some belief among the home supporters.
Everton arrive in the East Midlands in a worrying rut of their own. The Toffees are winless in their last three matches and, more alarmingly, have failed to score in that run, a blunt attacking edge that was evident again in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Burnley. The absence of key attacking players has hurt David Moyes’ side, and their recent form makes for grim reading, having lost two of their last five league games, including a painful 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal.
There is also an uncomfortable historical trend hanging over Everton, who have lost their final league game of the year in each of the last two seasons. Avoiding a third straight end-of-year defeat would be significant, but they face a Forest side desperate to rediscover confidence and momentum.
Team News
Forest remain stretched by injuries, with Dan Ndoye still sidelined, while top scorer Chris Wood has suffered another setback that puts his availability in doubt. Omari Hutchinson, however, is expected to feature prominently again after scoring against Manchester City, a goal that highlighted his strong home form.
Meanwhile, Nottingham forest head coach Sean Dyche Speaking ahead of the game via the official X handle, talked about how to give the fans a better and strong performance. They posted:
Everton’s selection issues are concentrated in attack, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable, further limiting Moyes’ options going forward. Jack Grealish missed the Burnley game through illness and will be assessed, while Thierno Barry is pushing for a start after scoring in the reverse fixture earlier this month.
Possible Lineups
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Victor; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Iroegbunam, Garner; Dibling, Alcaraz, Grealish; Beto
SoftFootball Prediction
Both sides are struggling for rhythm, but Forest’s tendency to end the year on a high and Everton’s recent attacking woes could tilt this contest in the hosts’ favour. Expect a tense affair, likely settled by fine margins.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Everton
