Nottingham Forest vs Everton tips and predictions: Expect plenty of goalmouth action at the City Ground

Although Nottingham Forest are only three places above the relegation zone, their tally of 13 points through 13 games is four better than last season.

Steve Cooper’s side have been beaten six times so far but the average position of the opposition they’ve succumbed to is fifth.

No side outside the top seven has won here dating back to September 2022 so the home faithful will be optimistic of a second win in four.

Meanwhile, Goodison Park is awash with anger. After spending the past year calling for the powers to do something about the running of their club, Blues fans are outraged that the powers that be have finally done something.

Luckily for Sean Dyche and his players that negative atmosphere has translated to their performances on the pitch.

The Toffees were arguably the better side in terms of chance creation against Manchester United and could have made it four unbeaten on another day.

While their home form remains a conundrum they cannot crack, Dyche’s side have won three of four on their travels and are unbeaten in 10 of 13.

On paper, this game is exponentially more exciting than it would have been 12 months ago and it’s hard to pick a winner with confidence.

Averaging 1.5 goals per game on their travels, the Toffees are in prolific form by their standards. On the other hand, Forest have scored 10 in six but conceded in five of those.

 

Team news

Taiwo Awoniy is ruled out due to injury while Ibrahim Sangare and Felipe are doubts.

Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White have 12 goal involvements between them and are expected to start.

Everton are set to benefit from a rare near-clean bill of health with only long-term absentees Dele Alli and Andre Gomes ruled out.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is enjoying his longest run in the team for over two years and has scored three goals in his last eight appearances.

 

Key stats

- Forest are unbeaten at home against teams outside the top seven since September 2022
- Everton have won three of four on their travels and are unbeaten in 10 of 13
- Both teams have scored in five of six at the City Ground this season
- Everton’s previous 15 Premier League away games have averaged 3.2 goals

 

Suggested bets

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals