Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction
Nottingham Forest hosts Everton on Saturday afternoon in an encounter likely to be tightly contested. The hosts have been magnificent all season, whereas David Moyes has lost just two of 12 since his appointment.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side defeated Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park earlier in the season. The Tricky Trees are favourites to claim a further three points. It’s now five games in a row where Everton has conceded a single goal, and four have ended in draws.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction: Lack Of Goals At City Ground
England, Premier League, Saturday, April 12th, 15:00 (UK)
Nottingham Forest’s remarkable season has shocked everyone. The Tricky Trees finished 17th last term with four sides conceding more goals than their 67. Champions League football is within touching distance for all involved at Forest. Each of their final seven Premier League matches is vital. They’ll fancy their chances at home this weekend, Nuno’s side arrive as favourites.
The quality of the sides towards the foot of the Premier League has been poor. Everton was struggling under Sean Dyche, and things became sour. A familiar face arrived in January, and it’s safe to say that the club hasn’t looked back. Moyes has taken charge of 12 matches and boasts a 4-6-2 (WDL) record. Narrow defeats against Villa and Liverpool are the only matches where his side hasn’t scored. Everton will move into a new stadium ahead of next season. I’d expect that the club will want an attractive style of football to link in with their lavish venue.
An impressive 31 points have arrived from a possible 45 at the City Ground. Newcastle and Fulham are the only two sides who’ve left with maximum points. Their home record is bettered only by the top two in the Premier League. Nuno’s men have been immense at this venue in recent weeks. Man United and Man City visited and left empty-handed, with both matches ending 1-0. Arsenal left with a share of the spoils in a goalless draw. An emphatic 7-0 victory over Brighton certainly caught the eye. Four consecutive matches without conceding is mightily impressive.
Everton have struggled on the road. A Premier League low of 30 goals have come in their 15 away days. No side has scored fewer than their 11. It’s a worry when they’re about to face the best home side in the division from a defensive standpoint. Only the three newly promoted clubs boast a worse xG figure when playing away from home. Everton has failed to score in seven away games this term and has created 1.0xG or less in nine of 15.
Defensively, Everton are one of the stronger sides. Five teams have a better xGA figure than the Toffees. We know their style and that they’re not an exciting watch. Forest boasts the third-best xGA playing at home, a figure only bettered by Arsenal and Liverpool. Nuno’s men are resilient at the back and allow little space in behind. Hitting their opponents on the break is a strength. Anthony Elanga’s superb goal against Manchester United is a prime example.
It’s difficult to envisage a high-scoring affair between these two. Chris Wood’s availability is unknown, which could be a deciding factor. The New Zealander has scored 18 goals this season. Defences could come out on top at the City Ground.
- Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction: Under 2.25 Goals (TRACKED BET)
- Best Odds: 1.85
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 4/10 (TRACKED BET)
Nottingham Forest vs Everton Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, April 9th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Attacking Absentees
Nottingham Forest have several potential absentees. Anthony Elanga is unlikely to feature. The Swede is suffering from a muscle injury. Ola Aina has been excellent this term. He will not play a part here due to a calf issue. Taiwo Awoniyi is doubtful. The Nigerian has played just 350 minutes of Premier League football this campaign. Forest’s top scorer, Chris Wood, is a doubt. The forward hasn’t featured since the middle of March.
David Moyes has three notable absentees heading into this clash. Dominic Calvert-Lewin hasn’t played since January after picking up a hamstring injury. The forward will not play on Saturday. Jesper Lindstrom has yet to score a Premier League goal for the Toffees. His groin injury will keep him out until later in the month. Orel Mangala will not play again this term.
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo, Dominguez, Williams, Yates, Anderson, Jota Silva, Hudson-Odoi; Gibbs-White
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Patterson, Gueye, Iroegbunam, Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto
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