Premier League Preview: Everton vs. Nottingham Forest

The odds of Nottingham Forest entering 2025 in the Premier League’s top four? Astronomical—but here they are, regardless of Sunday’s clash against The Toffees at Goodison Park. Pre-season predictions painted this as a relegation battle between two struggling sides, but both teams have defied expectations. Forest sits proudly in 3rd place, while Everton has climbed out of the mire with an impressive December.

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Against All Odds

Everton began the season much like last year: poorly. Four consecutive losses, conceding 13 goals, set a grim tone. Winning only two of their first 14 matches, December brought a daunting schedule, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. The Merseyside derby was postponed, but since then, Everton has gone unbeaten, securing vital points against Arsenal, Chelsea, and the reigning champions.

This resurgence leaves Everton with five teams below them in the table. The club’s future looks even brighter as new ownership prepares to back manager Sean Dyche in the transfer market. Reinforcements seem imminent to address squad deficiencies.

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Star of the Season

Goal-scoring remains a major challenge for Everton, highlighted in Thursday’s clash against Manchester City. A golden late-game opportunity was squandered, but Jordan Pickford’s heroics ensured Everton returned with a point from a struggling City side. The English international goalkeeper has silenced critics with his stellar performances, making him a priority for a contract extension before Everton’s move to their new stadium next season.

Despite the humiliating 0-4 defeat to Manchester United earlier in the season, Everton fans now have reasons to smile. Confidence is high, and there’s hope they can derail Nottingham Forest’s remarkable run.

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Forest’s Rise to Glory

Nottingham Forest hasn’t just cracked the top four—they’ve dominated en route, collecting wins over Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Thursday’s victory against Spurs was especially sweet for Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who had an unceremonious exit from Tottenham in 2021. The win reinforced Forest’s standing, with Nuno now managing from a position of power over his former club, languishing in 11th place.

Adding to the drama, ex-Forest players Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence featured for Tottenham. Johnson squandered their best chances, and Spence saw red in stoppage time, leaving the pitch and City Ground in disgrace.

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A Tough Nut to Crack

Forest enters Sunday’s match as favorites, but Everton has proven resilient in recent weeks. Undefeated in their last six home games, Everton has also kept clean sheets in their last three at Goodison. Their head-to-head record against Forest is strong—since Forest’s Premier League return in 2022, Everton has won two of their four meetings, with the other two ending in draws.

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Team News

Everton:

• Doubts remain over Dwight McNeil and Ashley Young’s availability.
• Confidence is high after their unbeaten December run.

Nottingham Forest:

• No fresh injury concerns, but Ryan Yates is suspended.
• Forest has scored the opening goal in 14 matches this season, more than any other Premier League team.

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Betting Tips

With under three goals in nine of Everton’s last 11 matches, a high-scoring affair seems unlikely. The Tipster recommend betting on under 2.5 goals with Betsson at odds of 1.61 (4 units).

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Expect a fiercely contested match as Everton looks to extend their unbeaten run and Forest aims to solidify their position in the top four.

Last Premier League-matches in 2024

Leicester – Man City
Everton – Nott'm Forest
Tottenham – Wolves
Crystal Palace – Southampton
Fulham – Bournemouth
West Ham – Liverpool
Aston Villa – Brighton
Ipswich – Chelsea
Man Utd – Newcastle
Brentford – Arsenal