Everton head into their final match of 2024 with renewed confidence, hoping to build on a recent run of resilience that has seen them lose just once in their last eight Premier League outings.
While three consecutive draws against heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City may have left fans wishing for more wins, manager Sean Dyche can still take pride in his team’s ability to hold their own against formidable opposition.
With only three points separating Everton from the relegation zone, this match against Nottingham Forest carries significant weight. The Toffees will aim to widen that gap and give themselves breathing room heading into the new year. Adding to their optimism is a strong head-to-head record against Forest, losing just one of their last nine meetings. Everton also completed a league double over Forest last season, winning both encounters without conceding a goal.
However, replicating that success will be no easy task, given the visitors’ exceptional form. Nottingham Forest have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the season, riding high in the top four after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Boxing Day. That result marked their fourth consecutive Premier League win, a feat they last achieved in May 1995, showcasing their growing momentum.
One of Forest’s key strengths this season has been their ability to seize the initiative early. Anthony Elanga’s decisive strike against Spurs was the 14th time Forest has scored the opening goal in a league match this campaign – a league-leading figure. Furthermore, they’ve shown the capacity to capitalize on those early leads, with their last three away wins all featuring at least two goals scored after netting first.
For Everton, the battle could well hinge on the performance of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who has been a standout in recent matches. His heroics in denying Erling Haaland from the penalty spot last time out preserved a crucial point against Manchester City and cemented his place in club history. Pickford’s seven career Premier League penalty saves now tie him with Tim Howard for the most in Everton’s history, a testament to his reliability under pressure.
On the opposing side, Elanga will be the man to watch for Forest. The Swedish forward has been in red-hot form, finding the back of the net in three consecutive Premier League matches. This streak marks a stark turnaround for Elanga, who had failed to score in 28 league games prior to this impressive run. His pace and clinical finishing will provide a stern test for Everton’s backline.
The midfield battle promises to be intriguing as well, with both teams entering the fixture as the league’s least possession-oriented sides. Everton and Forest have averaged just 38.7% and 40.1% possession, respectively, highlighting their preference for pragmatic, counter-attacking styles. This shared approach could make for a tightly contested game where transitions and set-pieces become pivotal.
For Everton, this match represents a chance to end the year on a high note while reinforcing their bid for survival. Dyche will look to his experienced players to guide the team through a tough contest against a Forest side brimming with confidence. On the other hand, Forest will aim to maintain their top-four position and further solidify their reputation as one of the season’s most compelling stories.
Both teams have plenty at stake, albeit for different reasons, setting the stage for an intense and closely fought encounter at Goodison Park. Everton’s grit versus Forest’s flair promises to make this a captivating battle as the Premier League bids farewell to 2024.
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