Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

Everton host Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday, December 29, in a Premier League clash that pits a resurgent Toffees side against one of the season’s surprise packages. With both teams enjoying solid form in December, this matchup promises to be a fascinating tactical battle to close out 2024.

Match Details

• Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024
• Kick-off Time: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT
• Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
• Referee: Tony Harrington
• VAR: John Brooks

Recent Form

Everton (Last 5 Matches)

• Man City 1-1 Everton (Dec 26)
• Everton 0-0 Chelsea (Dec 22)
• Arsenal 0-0 Everton (Dec 14)
• Everton 4-0 Wolves (Dec 4)
• Man Utd 4-0 Everton (Dec 1)

Sean Dyche’s men have shown grit in recent weeks, holding Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City to draws. Their defensive resilience has been key to avoiding the relegation battle.

Nottingham Forest (Last 5 Matches)

• Nottingham Forest 1-0 Tottenham (Dec 26)
• Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest (Dec 21)
• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa (Dec 14)
• Man Utd 2-3 Nottingham Forest (Dec 7)
• Man City 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Dec 4)

Forest are flying high under Nuno Espirito Santo, winning four consecutive league games and climbing to third in the Premier League standings.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Everton: 2 wins
• Nottingham Forest: 1 win
• Draws: 2

Last Meeting: Everton 2-0 Nottingham Forest (April 21, 2024)

Team News

Everton

• Out: Dwight McNeil (knee), James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam (injuries).
• Doubtful: Dwight McNeil remains a question mark for this fixture.
• Key Player: Iliman Ndiaye, who scored a stunning equalizer against Manchester City, is expected to continue in McNeil’s absence.

Predicted Lineup (4-4-1-1):
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.

Nottingham Forest

• Out: Ryan Yates (suspension).
• Returning: Nicolas Dominguez is available after serving a suspension and is likely to replace Yates in midfield.
• Key Player: Anthony Elanga, in red-hot form, will be crucial in Forest’s attacking transitions.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Tactical Battle

Everton: Resilient Defense

Sean Dyche’s Everton have leaned on a rigid defensive structure, frustrating stronger opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Their mid/low block is designed to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line.

Nottingham Forest: Counter-Attacking Prowess

Nuno Espirito Santo has built a Forest side that thrives in transition. The pace of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, combined with Chris Wood’s aerial presence, makes them a formidable counter-attacking unit. However, they may struggle to break down Everton’s compact defense.

Key Players to Watch

Everton

• Jordan Pickford: The Toffees’ shot-stopper will be vital in keeping Forest’s attacking threats at bay.
• Iliman Ndiaye: His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a key figure in Everton’s attack.

Nottingham Forest

• Anthony Elanga: The winger’s pace and form could be decisive in unlocking Everton’s defense.
• Chris Wood: His physicality and aerial prowess will be crucial in set-piece situations.

Prediction

This game is likely to be a tactical stalemate, with both teams preferring to play without the ball. Everton’s defensive resilience and home advantage may cancel out Forest’s attacking flair. A low-scoring draw seems the most probable outcome.

Prediction: Everton 1-1 Nottingham Forest

FAQs

1. What time is Everton vs. Nottingham Forest?

The match kicks off at 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 07:00 PT on Sunday, December 29, 2024.

2. Where will the match be played?

The game will take place at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England.

3. Who are the key players to watch?

For Everton, Iliman Ndiaye and Jordan Pickford are crucial. For Nottingham Forest, Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood will be key.

4. What is Nottingham Forest’s recent form?

Forest have won their last four Premier League matches and sit third in the table.

5. How have Everton performed recently?

Everton have drawn their last three games against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, showcasing defensive solidity.