The final Premier League action of 2025 concludes tomorrow, Tuesday, December 30, with a massive clash at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest host Everton in a match defined by familiar faces and desperate needs; Forest boss Sean Dyche welcomes his former club, while David Moyes looks to reignite a stalling Everton attack.
With only five points separating Forest from the relegation zone, this year-end fixture is a high-stakes battle for survival and mid-table security.
Match Details
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 19)
Kick-off: 19:30 GMT / 14:30 ET
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
Referee: Michael Oliver
Broadcast: Sky Sports Premier League (UK) / Peacock (US)
Current Form: Home Hopes vs. Scoring Droughts
Nottingham Forest: Looking for the City Ground Spark
Forest currently sit 17th, having suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday. Despite the loss, Dyche's men showed defensive resilience that has become their trademark. They have been inconsistent at home this season (3-1-5 record), but a 3–0 thumping of Tottenham earlier this month proves they can dismantle top-tier opposition when the City Ground is rocking.
Everton: The Goal Drought
David Moyes has guided Everton to 12th place, but the "Toffees" arrive in Nottingham in a worrying state. They haven't scored a goal in their last three matches, most recently playing out a drab 0–0 draw with Burnley. While they are defensively sound, conceding just 0.6 goals per game recently, the lack of clinical finishing is starting to drain their momentum heading into 2026.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest Team News: Injury and AFCON Woes
Sean Dyche is dealing with a skeleton crew in certain areas due to international duty and a mounting injury list.
Out (AFCON): Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangaré.
Injuries: Chris Wood (Knee), Dan Ndoye (Muscle), Ola Aina (Hamstring), Ryan Yates (Hamstring).
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): John Victor; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams; Elliot Anderson, Dominguez; Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Omari Hutchinson; Igor Jesus.
Everton Team News: Missing Creative Hubs
The visitors are similarly depleted, particularly in the attacking third where their most creative outlets are unavailable.
Out (AFCON): Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Injuries: Jarrad Branthwaite (Hamstring), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Hamstring), Seamus Coleman (Hamstring).
Doubt: Jack Grealish (Illness).
Predicted XI (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Jake O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Tyler Dibling, James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, Charly Alcaraz; Thierno Barry; Beto.
Tactical Analysis: Pragmatism vs. The Long Ball
The Battle for the Second Ball
Both managers favor a direct style. Expect a physical battle in midfield where Elliot Anderson and James Garner will compete for knock-downs. Forest will look to use the pace of Callum Hudson-Odoi to exploit Everton's high line, while Everton will likely aim for the physical presence of Beto to act as a focal point.
Defensive Discipline
With Morgan Gibbs-White returning to full fitness, Forest has the creative edge. However, Moyes has drilled Everton into a compact unit that is difficult to break down. This match is likely to be won or lost on set-pieces, an area where both teams excel and struggle in equal measure.
Head-to-Head: Recent Toffees Dominance
Everton has enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture recently, including a dominant performance just a few weeks ago.
Last Meeting: Everton 3–0 Nottingham Forest (December 6, 2025).
Overall Trend: Everton has won four of the last five meetings.
City Ground Record: Everton is unbeaten in their last five trips to Nottingham (W4, D1).
Match Prediction
This has all the hallmarks of a cagey, low-scoring affair. Both teams are missing their primary goal-scorers (Wood for Forest, Ndiaye for Everton) and are prioritizing defensive stability. Given the "Dyche vs. Moyes" tactical setup, a single mistake—or a Moment of Magic from Gibbs-White—will likely decide it.
Final Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–0 Everton
