Everton has struggled in the lower half of the Premier League standings for several seasons, and this year is no different, sitting in 15th place with little distance from the relegation zone. Their upcoming match against Manchester City on Thursday presents a difficult challenge.
However, Everton enters the game with some positive results, having gone unbeaten in their last three matches, which included a 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton and two goalless draws against Arsenal and Chelsea.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest has been one of the standout teams this season. After narrowly avoiding relegation last year with a 17th-place finish, they are currently in the top four under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Forest has won their last three matches, defeating Manchester United 3-2, Aston Villa 2-1, and Brentford 2-0. They will be looking to extend their winning run when they host Tottenham on Thursday.
For Everton, long-term absentees Iroegbunam and Garner will miss the match. Winger McNeil, who has contributed three goals and three assists this season, is uncertain, while defender Young will return from suspension. In attack, Ndiaye, with three goals, along with Beto and Calvert-Lewin, both with two goals each, are expected to lead the line. Midfielder Gueye will continue to play a key role.
Nottingham Forest will still be without Danilo and Sangaré due to injuries but welcomes back Nicolas Dominguez from suspension. Star striker Chris Wood, who has scored 10 goals in the Premier League, will lead the attack, supported by attacking midfielder Gibbs-White and wingers Elanga and Hudson-Odoi.
Prediction
Both teams have been involved in low-scoring games recently, with Everton’s last five matches featuring fewer than two goals, and seven of Nottingham Forest’s last ten matches also producing under 2.5 goals. A close, low-scoring game is expected, with Nottingham Forest likely to secure a 1-0 win.
Prediction: Everton 0 – 1 Nottingham Forest
