Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

After climbing to the dizzying heights of third on Boxing Day, Nottingham Forest conclude 2024 away at Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Nuno Espirito Santo is working wonders at the City Ground, and few victories would've been sweeter in his managerial career than Forest's 1-0 triumph over Tottenham on Boxing Day. Nuno, of course, endured a bleak tenure in charge of the Lilywhites, but has rediscovered his mojo in Nottingham.

Emboldened by the third-best defensive record in the league and a four-pronged attack in transition, Forest have won their last four league outings after they were upset by Manchester City at the start of December.

However, Everton have also found somewhat of a groove. Sean Dyche's side may be at their ceiling in 15th, but their performances over the past month have pointed towards a team that won't be threatened by relegation this time around.

The Toffees head into this game having secured consecutive draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City.

Here is 90min's guide to Sunday's Premier League clash at Goodison Park.

Everton vs Nottingham Forest H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

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Everton team news

Sean Dyche's Everton have secured three consecutive draws / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

The Toffees have embarked on their recent impressive run of draws without one of their more reliable attackers in Dwight McNeil. The wide midfielder has been struggling with a knee issue and is once again a doubt to feature.

Iliman Ndiaye has been stationed out wide in McNeil's absence and he grabbed an excellent equaliser at the Etihad on Boxing Day.

Everton otherwise don't have many injury concerns and no fresh worries from Thursday's game. Dyche is likely to be without James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam for Forest's visit.

The boss could name an unchanged side on Sunday.

Everton predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Everton predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.

Nottingham Forest team news

Ryan Yates misses out on Sunday / Michael Regan/GettyImages

Ryan Yates has finally picked up five Premier League bookings which means he'll serve a one-game ban and miss Sunday's game. However, Forest can call upon Nicolas Dominguez again after he was suspended for their victory over Tottenham. He'll replace Yates in the middle of the park.

Neco Williams was preferred to Alex Moreno at left-back on Boxing Day, and the Welshman could retain his place.

Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa will both be hopeful of securing returns to the starting XI, but Anthony Elanga is in red-hot form and Callum Hudson-Odoi has been a model of consistency down the left.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Something's got to give on Sunday. Both teams typically want to play without the ball, but someone must take the initiative. Despite being at home, Everton will be willing the visitors to dominate territorially, allowing them to frustrate with their mid/low block. Arsenal, Chelsea and City have all huffed and puffed against the Toffees' rigid defensive structure in recent weeks.

Forest may struggle if they're not given the space to run amok in transition, with Hudson-Odoi the most suited to picking locks in a compact defensive structure. Chris Wood's aerial ability will also be key against a pair of Everton centre-backs who defend their box very well.

The visitors have shown they can shut out much more coherent attacking units than Everton this term, but we fancy goals to arrive at both ends. Perhaps end of year lapses will contribute to a low-scoring draw.