Everton vs Forest

Everton manager Sean Dyche remains optimistic about the fitness of Iliman Ndiaye and Seamus Coleman, who were both substituted as precautionary measures during the Boxing Day draw against Manchester City. Their potential availability would be a boost for the Toffees as they prepare for their final league match of the year. However, Everton still face some challenges with injuries. Dwight McNeil, sidelined for the past three games due to a knee problem, remains doubtful. Additionally, Ashley Young, who served a one-match suspension, may not make the squad as he continues to recover from a neck issue sustained in the clash against Chelsea. These absences could force Dyche to make significant adjustments to his lineup.

On the other side, Nottingham Forest travel to Goodison Park without fresh injury concerns. The visitors will be missing Ryan Yates, who is suspended after accumulating his fifth yellow card of the season during their recent victory over Tottenham Hotspur. However, Forest will be bolstered by the return of Nicolas Dominguez, who is available following his own suspension. The consistency in their squad could play a pivotal role as Forest aim to maintain their impressive form.

Historically, Everton have dominated this fixture, losing only one of the last nine Premier League encounters with Nottingham Forest. Their defensive record against Forest is particularly noteworthy, having kept clean sheets in all eight of their Premier League wins in this fixture. Conversely, when Everton have conceded at least once, their record against Forest is less favorable, with two draws and four losses. Forest, on the other hand, have struggled defensively in this matchup, managing just one clean sheet in the past 16 league meetings. That solitary shutout came in a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park back in January 1999.

Everton’s recent form in the Premier League reflects a mixture of resilience and frustration. While they have lost only two of their last 13 matches, they have also recorded a league-high eight draws. This penchant for sharing points has limited their ability to climb the table. All three of Everton’s league victories this season have come against teams currently below them, underlining their struggles to secure wins against stronger opposition. Despite this, the Toffees have shown signs of improvement under Sean Dyche. They are currently on a six-match unbeaten run at home, their longest such streak since a run of 11 games between December 2019 and July 2020. Another draw on Saturday would mark four consecutive league stalemates for the first time since September 2022.

Everton’s set-piece proficiency has been a highlight of their season. They have scored eight goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties), a tally bettered only by Arsenal’s 10. This strength could prove decisive against Forest, particularly in a tightly contested match. Additionally, Everton have demonstrated their defensive resilience against top teams, with all three of their league matches against the current top five ending in goalless draws. This ability to shut down high-quality opponents underscores their potential to frustrate Forest’s attack.

Historically, Everton have had mixed results in their final league matches of the calendar year. They have only managed two victories in their last league game of the year over the past decade, with wins against Newcastle United in 2019 and Sheffield United in 2020. Moreover, this will be the first time since 2015 that Everton are playing their final league fixture of the year at home. In that 2015 match, they suffered a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Stoke City. Sean Dyche, however, has a strong personal record against Nottingham Forest, going unbeaten in his last eight Premier League matches as a manager against them. This experience could provide Everton with a psychological edge.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, enter this match on a remarkable run of form. They have won four consecutive Premier League games, a feat they last achieved in 1995. Another victory would equal their club record of five successive top-flight wins, set in April 1995. This resurgence has catapulted Forest into the top four of the Premier League, a position they have not occupied at the turn of the year since the 1987-88 season under the legendary Brian Clough. Their ability to consistently take the lead in matches has been a key factor in their success, with Forest scoring the opening goal in a league-high 14 matches this season.

Forest’s away form also presents an intriguing storyline. They are attempting to secure victories at both Liverpool and Everton in the same season for only the second time in their history. The last time they achieved this feat was during the 1898-99 season. This historical milestone could serve as additional motivation for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Moreover, Forest are aiming to win their final game of the calendar year in consecutive years for the first time since 2010. Last year, they ended the year on a high note with a 2-1 victory against Manchester United.

Anthony Elanga has been a standout performer for Forest, finding the back of the net in three consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time in his career. This recent purple patch is all the more impressive given that he had gone 28 matches without a goal prior to this streak. Elanga’s form adds another layer of threat to Forest’s attack, which has already proven to be one of the most potent in the league this season.

As the two sides prepare to face off at Goodison Park, the match promises to be a fascinating clash of contrasting styles and narratives. Everton’s defensive solidity and set-piece prowess will be tested against Forest’s dynamic attack and impressive form. Both teams have much at stake, with Everton looking to extend their unbeaten home run and Forest aiming to continue their remarkable surge up the table. The outcome could hinge on key individual performances, tactical adjustments, and perhaps a moment of brilliance or misfortune. Regardless of the result, this encounter is set to be a compelling end to the calendar year for both clubs.