Everton is set to go head-to-head with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this evening in what promises to be an exhilarating finale to 2026.
In the aftermath of Everton’s somewhat disheartening draw against Burnley, the pressure is on for David Moyes to round off the year with a decisive win. The memory of their commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the reverse fixture, where Thierno Barry notched his inaugural and solitary goal, is sure to inject a dose of optimism into the Toffees’ camp.
Moyes’ team seems to be in a good position entering this match, particularly considering Nottingham Forest’s recent struggles, having lost three of their last four encounters in the Premier League.
However, the absence of key players like Jack Grealish, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is looming large, as former Arsenal maestro turned pundit, Paul Merson, points out. Merson forecasts a challenging test for Everton, emphasizing that without these influential figures, the team may lack the necessary bite in their attacking play. Additionally, Everton’s failure to find the net in their last three games further raises concerns about their offensive capabilities.
Merson boldly predicts a victory for Nottingham Forest with a scoreline of 1-0, a result that would potentially further distance Forest from West Ham in the standings.
Notwithstanding, Everton’s recent track record against Nottingham Forest paints a different picture. The Toffees have emerged victorious in four of their last five encounters with the East Midlanders, clinching triumphs on two occasions at the City Ground itself.
Should Everton secure another triumph tonight, they could swiftly find themselves back within the top half of the table, bridging the gap to European qualification spots. As the January transfer window looms on the horizon, the outcome of this pivotal clash holds significant weight for Everton’s aspirations, offering the potential to bolster their attractiveness as a destination for top talent in the future.
