Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Betting Odds & Prediction

Everton host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon in a pivotal match for the relegation battle. Both teams sit just above the relegation zone and will view this as a must-win game as they seek to create some breathing space between themselves and the drop.

Both sides have received points deductions for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules this season and are separated by only one point prior to kick-off which is set for 1.30pm.

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Everton

The hosts suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat last time out away at Chelsea. Despite starting the game well and creating chances, the game quickly spiralled out of control when Cole Palmer scored a perfect hattrick inside the first half-hour. In their last home match however, Everton picked up a crucial win to end a thirteen-game winless streak when they defeated a struggling Burnley side 1-0.

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Sean Dyche’s side who have failed to score in 33% of their home matches this season. They have created an expected goal (xG) tally of 1.66 at home this season, but have failed to convert their chances, netting an average of only 1.07. Dominic Calvert-Lewin looked to be building confidence after two goals in two consecutive games against Newcastle and Burnley but missed out against Chelsea due to injury.

The Toffees have however been relatively compact at home, bettering an expected goals against (xGA) of 1.31 by conceding an average only 1.2 goals in home matches this season. Dyche’s side have kept a clean sheet in 33% of their matches at Goodison Park this season and will take confidence from only losing one match in their last six at home.

Nottingham Forest

The visitors drew 2-2 at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their last match, picking up more crucial home points. They have somewhat relied on their home performances this season, with a points per game tally of 1.18 at the City Ground, but only 0.63 on the road where they have won only 13% of their matches. In their last away match Forest lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur, making it seven games since Nuno Espirito Santo’s side won away from home.

Forest have struggled to create chances on the road this season, creating an expected goal (xG) tally of only 1.07 and netting an average of 1.06 goals per away game. They have failed to score in 31% of their matches in front of travelling fans this season but may have more luck against Everton who will allow them more possession of the ball than most Premier League teams.

Nuno’s side have a worrying defensive record away from home, exceeding an expected goals against (xGA) tally of 1.55 by conceding a worrying average of 2.06 goals per game. Forest have kept a clean sheet in only 13% of their matches but may have an opportunity to marginally improve that statistic at Goodison Park with Everton’s struggles in front of goal.

Prediction

This match is a case of a poor home attack against an even worse away defence, resulting in encounter with a goal count hard to predict. Everton come into the tie as favourites with the bookmakers and with Forest’s poor away record this season, OddsNow expect Dyche’s side to bounce back from their defeat at Chelsea and pick up a second consecutive home win.

OddsNow's Pick: Everton to win (21/20 @ Coral)