Everton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Forest to claim vital win?

Both Everton and Nottingham Forest know they need to pick up points. Rapidly. They are currently occupying the two spots above the relegation zone, and with Luton Town hot on their heels, this relegation six-pointer takes on huge importance. This game, which is live on Sky Sports Main Event at 13:30 on Sunday, will have gargantuan consequences for both of these teams. 

Here’s my Everton vs Nottingham Forest prediction, with team news, match odds and a couple of betting selections.

Team News

Sean Dyche left Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of his squad against Chelsea so the key forward could fully recover for this game. Expect to see the Englishman put straight back into the XI after a hamstring issue, while Jarrad Branthwaite is touch-and-go for this one having picked up a knock. 

Taiwo Awoniyi remains out, but the Forest striker could return before the end of the season. Meanwhile Anthony Elanga is also absent, which means that Giovanni Reyna and Callum Hudson-Odoi are set to continue in the wide positions. Star man Morgan Gibbs-White will play behind Chris Wood as Forest search for goals. 

Match Odds

Everton are the favourites to win this one at 21/20, giving the Toffees an implied win probability of 48%. Forest are priced at 13/5 for the win while a draw is 5/2. BTTS is available at 4/6, which seems a fair price given the circumstances. 

Chris Wood to score anytime @ 9/5

The red-hot Chris Wood. I didn't think I’d be writing that at any point this season. Forest looked to be in trouble when number nine Awoniyi was ruled out for a lengthy spell, but Nuno Espirito Santo has been able to call upon an old head to find some goals. 

Wood has scored four goals in his last five Premier League matches since coming into the team and Forest actually look like a more competitive outfit with him as the figurehead. The trio of exciting players behind Wood are able to compliment the New Zealander, and he has now been a reliable goalscorer in the top flight for nearly a decade. I’m more than comfortable backing Wood to find the net at Goodison Park. 

Nottingham Forest to win and BTTS @ 5/1

I fancy Forest at this stage more than Everton, but there’s not a lot in it. The 6-0 loss at Chelsea set alarm bells ringing in my head, while Forest have now only lost one of their last five matches - and that was away at Tottenham. The points deduction, as with Everton, has dragged them closer to the danger zone but I think they might just be alright.

They can take a giant step towards survival with three points here, while I also believe both teams will find the net. Both teams have scored in the last five Forest matches, while their overall figure for the season is 67%. Everton haven’t been quite so goal-happy at 41%, but contrary to popular belief I think this will be a relatively open encounter. 5/1 for this selection feels fair, given the away side's tendency to pick up points of late. 

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