Nottingham Forest vs Everton predictions for Saturday’s Premier League contest at the City Ground. On Saturday evening, Everton heads to Nottingham Forest in pursuit of their inaugural Premier League victory since enduring a 10-point penalty. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 2nd December at 5:30 pm In:
Nottingham Forest vs Everton Predictions
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Everton and Forest: A Battle for Premier League Survival at City Ground
Key Stats
– Everton has managed two wins in their last four league games.
– Both teams have scored in five of Forest’s six home league games.
As Everton make their way to Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, both teams are engaged in a crucial struggle for Premier League survival. The upcoming encounter promises to be more than just a football match; it’s a battle for morale, form, and, ultimately, Premier League points.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
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Best Value Bet Rationale
Firstly, looking at Doucouré’s individual statistics, it’s clear why this bet holds merit. With an average of 1.7 shots per game and maintaining a consistent shots on target per game ratio of 1.0, Doucouré has proven to be a consistent threat in front of goal. His ability to break into the box and get shots away has been a highlight of his game, contributing to his tally of four goals this season. Additionally, his expected goals (xG) of 4.39 indicates he’s in positions to score, reinforcing the likelihood of him testing the opposition keeper.
In the context of Everton’s season, particularly with their attacking impetus, players like Doucouré have become increasingly important. Sean Dyche’s side, looking to recover from their points deduction and recent defeats, are likely to adopt an aggressive approach against Forest. This setup should provide more opportunities for midfielders like Doucouré to venture forward and take shots.
Moreover, considering Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities – they have conceded 21 goals in 13 matches – there’s a likelihood of spaces opening up for Everton’s midfield runners. Doucouré, known for his timing and ability to arrive in the box at crucial moments, could capitalise on such scenarios.
Given these factors, backing Doucouré to have at least one shot on target seems a well-founded prediction, bolstered by the enhanced odds currently available.
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Everton’s Challenge: Overcoming Penalty Woes
Sean Dyche’s Everton, still reeling from a 10-point deduction, are in dire need of a win. Despite their robust performances in parts of the season, their recent form has been marred by a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United. The Toffees have underperformed their xG by 6.6 this season – a worrying sign. However, their record of three wins in the last four away games, coupled with the fact that they have only failed to score in two of their six trips, indicates a strong away performance capability.
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Nottingham Forest’s Struggle: Defensive Concerns and Attacking Hopes
Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest faces their challenges, especially in defence. Having conceded goals in six matches despite scoring two or more, their defensive issues are glaring. However, their attacking prowess, evident in scoring two goals in four of their last five games, cannot be underestimated. The absence of Taiwo Awoniyi is a blow, but Morgan Gibbs-White’s form provides some hope for the home side.
Strategic Insights: Team Dynamics and Managerial Influence
- Everton’s resilience under Dyche has been notable, especially away from home. However, they need to convert xG into actual goals.
- Forest under Cooper has shown attacking flair but must tighten their defence. Their high-scoring yet losing games highlight the need for a more balanced approach.
Controversial Viewpoint: ‘Our Take’
- Dyche’s ability to keep Everton competitive despite the point deduction is commendable, but questions over converting xG into goals remain.
- Cooper’s position at Forest seems precarious. Despite a vote of confidence, his team’s leaky defence and inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities could be his undoing.
Predicted Gameplay: A Tactical Tussle
The game is likely to be decided in the midfield, with key duels between Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and Forest’s Gibbs-White. Expect a high-intensity match with both teams looking to exploit each other’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Analytical Breakdown
Offensive and Defensive Strategies
Everton: Sean Dyche’s Everton, while recently marred by a points penalty, have shown a resilience that belies their league position. Defensively, Everton often set up in a structured 4-4-2 formation, relying on disciplined full-backs like Seamus Coleman and a robust central pairing, including James Tarkowski. This solidity has its drawbacks, as the team sometimes struggles to transition into attack, leaving Dominic Calvert-Lewin isolated upfront.
Nottingham Forest: Steve Cooper’s Forest present a contrasting style. They tend to play with a more fluid attacking approach, spearheaded by Anthony Elanga and supported by Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, their open play often leaves them vulnerable at the back, as evidenced in their recent games where they’ve lost despite scoring multiple goals.
Key Player Performances
Everton: Abdoulaye Doucouré has been a pivotal figure in midfield, offering both defensive cover and forward drives. His four goals are a testament to his impact. However, issues with players like Ashley Young, who has been error-prone, have cost the team dearly.
Nottingham Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White has been a bright spark in an otherwise inconsistent Forest side. His creativity and willingness to take shots have been crucial, but the team has been overly reliant on him in the absence of other key players.
Managerial Impact
Sean Dyche: Dyche’s impact on Everton is noticeable in their away form improvements and defensive organization. However, his conservative approach has limited Everton’s attacking capabilities, particularly in home games.
Steve Cooper: Cooper’s attacking ethos is clear, but his inability to address defensive frailties has led to Forest dropping crucial points. His tenure is now under scrutiny, with recent form not matching the early-season optimism.
Expected Goals Analysis
Everton’s underperformance in xG, with a deficit of 6.6, is alarming. It indicates a lack of clinical finishing or perhaps an overly cautious approach in the final third. In contrast, Forest’s more gung-ho style has seen them score regularly but has not translated into points, suggesting defensive issues are undermining their attack.
Tactical Comparison
While Everton prides itself on a solid defensive base, their lack of creativity in attack is evident. Forest, on the other hand, embraces a more adventurous style but at the cost of defensive stability. Everton’s recent away form improvement could clash interestingly with Forest’s home scoring record.
Suggestions for Improvement
Everton: Needs to find a balance between defence and attack. Integrating players like Amadou Onana could add dynamism to their midfield.
Nottingham Forest: They must find a way to tighten up at the back without sacrificing their attacking flair. The return of key defenders could be crucial.
Pros and Cons of Strategies
Everton: Pro – Solid defense. Con – Lack of attacking threat. Nottingham Forest: Pro – Exciting attacking play. Con – Defensive frailties.
Opinionated Take on Managers
Sean Dyche: His pragmatic approach might save Everton from relegation, but it’s hardly inspiring. Is survival enough for a club of Everton’s stature?
Steve Cooper: Cooper’s attacking philosophy is admirable, but his tactical naivety is costing Forest. It’s high time he adapts or faces the consequences.
Predictions: Analysing the Possibilities
1. Match Result: Draw
Given the recent forms of Everton and Nottingham Forest, a draw seems the most plausible outcome. Everton, despite their off-field challenges, have shown resilience, particularly in away games. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, has displayed a strong attacking ability at home, but their defensive frailties could negate this advantage. The convergence of these factors points towards an evenly matched contest, culminating in a draw.
2. Correct Score: 2-2 Draw
A high-scoring draw, specifically 2-2, aligns with the trends observed in both teams. Forest’s capacity to score at home is notable, as they’ve netted two goals in four of their last five home fixtures. Everton, despite their defensive woes, have found the back of the net regularly in away games. This prediction is underpinned by both teams’ offensive strengths and defensive vulnerabilities.
3. Goalscorer: Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White is a promising candidate to score anytime during the match. His recent form, coupled with his role in Forest’s attacking setup, especially in the absence of Taiwo Awoniyi, makes him a likely goalscorer. His responsibility for spot kicks further enhances his chances of finding the net.
4. Corner Prediction: Everton to Win More Corners
Everton’s style of play, particularly in away games, suggests they may win more corners. Their tendency to press forward and create opportunities could result in a higher number of corner kicks compared to Forest, who might be more focused on containing Everton’s attacks and could concede corners in the process.
5. Shots on Target: Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga could be the player to back for one or more shots on target. With Awoniyi’s absence, Elanga might assume a more central attacking role, increasing his likelihood of taking shots on goal. His pace and agility, combined with Everton’s defensive issues, present him with opportunities to test the goalkeeper.
6. Yellow Card: Ashley Young
Ashley Young is a potential candidate for receiving a yellow card. His recent form, which includes risky tackles and defensive errors, might see him engage in challenges that could lead to a booking, especially under the pressure of Forest’s attacking forays.
7. Assist: Dwight McNeil
Dwight McNeil is likely to provide an assist during the game. His ability to deliver precise crosses and create chances for his teammates makes him a prime candidate for an assist. Given Everton’s need to score and secure points, McNeil’s creative influence could be pivotal.
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