Premier League: Everton are Not Chopped Liver for Nottingham Forest

Everton vs Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have moved into the Top three of the Premier League standings following a 1-0 win against Tottenham yesterday, and they plan to stay there for as long as they can. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men can further solidify their credentials with a winnable game against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

After going winless in November, Everton picked up better Premier League 2024 results in December, with one win and four draws. The Toffees are coming off a commendable 1-1 draw against Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues to improve to 15^th place in the English top-flight standings with 17 points, level with 16^th-placed Crystal Palace.

Despite their gap in the table, the pregame SBOTOP betting odds predict a close contest between Everton and Nottingham Forest. Without further ado, check out the preview of this match by continuing to read below.

 

Talking Points

Everton becoming tough to beat

Everton’s upturn in form can be attributed to their improved backline, as they’ve only conceded one goal during their unbeaten run following their 4-0 capitulation against Manchester United at the start of December. Sean Dyche’s side have lost only two of their past 13 English top-flight games, although they’ve won only three of their 17 games this season.

The Toffees’ undefeated run almost came to an end yesterday when Jeremy Doku teed up Bernardo Silva for a cool finish in the 14th minute, and the Sky Blues could’ve doubled their lead if it weren’t for Phil Foden’s wide first-time attempt.

Iliman Ndiaye pegged one back for Everton during the 36^th minute by latching on to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s cross and finishing with the outside of his boot into the far corner. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder now has two league goals this season.

Manchester City would’ve reclaimed the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko brought down Savinho inside the box. However, Jordan Pickford did a superb job to save Erling Haaland’s spot-kick. The English goalkeeper is praised for his unconventional scouting of Manchester City’s penalty kick tendencies. Pep Guardiola’s men pushed for the winner, but Everton’s backline held their nerve and the spoils were shared. 

 

Elanga picking up form for Nottingham Forest

Anthony Elanga is the man in form for Nottingham Forest, as he has scored in three consecutive appearances after going scoreless in the 15 matches of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Elanga’s score in the first half against Tottenham secured Nottingham Forest’s fourth straight victory.

Elanga scored the marginal goal after Morgan Gibbs-White picked him out brilliantly. From that point on, everything went haywire for Tottenham, as former Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence was sent off in stoppage time and Radu Dragusin limped off the pitch due to an apparent injury. With this win, Forest have more points than during last season’s successful survival fight in half the games.

Nottingham Forest were tempted to sell Anthony Elanga this summer, as Newcastle United had a mouthwatering £50 million offer for the former Manchester United winger. Forest rightfully turned it down, and they could fetch a higher offer if the Magpies decide to go after Elanga again.

 

History

Everton completed their first league double over Nottingham Forest since 1996-97 after winning 2-0 at home and 1-0 on the road in their two Premier League matches last season. The Toffees have only lost one of their previous nine Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest, with their only loss being a 1-0 result at Goodison Park in January 1999.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has been enjoying their best Premier League campaign for quite some time. After breaking their drought against the Spurs, Nottingham Forest are on a four-game winning streak for the first time since 1995, the same year they finished third in the table to secure their qualification for the UEFA Cup.

 

Betting Tip

As mentioned, the Premier League 2024 odds expect a tight affair between Everton and Nottingham Forest. Because they’re playing at home, Everton have the edge at 2.51 odds, while Nottingham Forest are at 2.67 and a draw is priced at 3.04 in the 1X2 market.

I’m backing the visitors to win because they’ve been the more consistent team this season, and their recent form cannot be overlooked. Don’t be surprised if they earn a shutout victory, making options like Under 2.50 at 1.68 and Total Goal 0-1 at 2.62 viable.

However, if you fancy the Toffees to score an upset, check out the Correct Scores of 1-0 and 2-0 in their favour – the results of their last two meetings – given their attractive offers of 7.30 and 13.50.

   

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