Everton face a tricky Premier League fixture this weekend as they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in their previous outing, while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell to a disappointing 2-1 loss against Aston Villa.
Match Preview
SportsView says Nottingham Forest have been one of the best teams in the Premier League this season, and we couldn’t agree more. The Tricky Trees have completely defied expectations this campaign, as they are competing for a place in next season’s Champions League.
Nuno’s side are currently sitting third in the league standings, but they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Villa in their most recent fixture. That was a blow to their European hopes, as Newcastle United could close the gap to just one point with a victory this week.
But Forest will fancy their chances against Everton on Saturday, with the team winning seven of their last nine matches at the City Ground. They also came away with a 2-0 success in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park.
However, the Blues have been transformed since David Moyes returned to the club in January. The Scottish boss has led his side to the brink of Premier League safety, as they are now 15 points above the drop zone.
Moyes’ men held title challengers Arsenal to a 1-1 draw last weekend, with Iliman Ndiaye netting the equaliser in the second-half.
Team News
The Tricky Trees will not be able to call upon the services of Ola Aina due to his calf injury. There are also question marks over the availability of Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga.
As for Everton, Ndiaye returned to the team last weekend and he will start again against Forest. Vitaliy Mykolenko remain sidelined, while Jesper Lindstrom is also expected to be out due to his groin injury.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton potential line-ups
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Alex Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Dominguez, Gibbs-White, Jota Silva; Wood
Everton: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson; Harrison, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
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Nottingham Forest vs Everton prediction
Both sides have been excellent defensively this season, but Forest look to have the more potent attack.
However, given Everton’s form, it is unlikely to be an easy contest for Nuno’s side, and so we think the likely outcome on Saturday will be a draw.
Nottingham Forest 1-1 Everton