Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Crucial Premier League Clash & Prediction

Match Details:

• Fixture: Everton vs Nottingham Forest
• Competition: Premier League (Gameweek 15, 2025/26 Season)
• Venue: Hill-Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
• Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Kick-Off: 3:00 PM GMT (6:00 PM EAT)

Everton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction

Everton vs Nottingham Forest promises to be a defining Premier League encounter as the Toffees look to build on their impressive recent victory. David Moyes' side currently sits 10th in the Premier League following their dramatic 1-0 win at Bournemouth, where Jack Grealish's 78th-minute winner secured Everton's first-ever Premier League victory at the Vitality Stadium and ended the Cherries' seven-game unbeaten home run.

The star loanee from Manchester City will be key to Everton's attacking threat as they host a struggling Nottingham Forest side at the new Hill-Dickinson Stadium. With Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in top form after his man-of-the-match performance, the Toffees have momentum on their side.

Forest, known for their stubborn defensive organization and dangerous counter-attacks, face a difficult task without their main talisman Chris Wood, who remains sidelined with an Knee injury.

Premier League Standings: The Mid-Table Battle

A victory for Everton would strengthen their push toward European qualification spots, while a loss for Nottingham Forest would see them drift dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Everton vs Nottingham Forest: Form Analysis

Everton Recent Form: D-W-W-L-W

Nottingham Forest Recent Form: W-W-W-L-W

Everton's home form at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium has been their foundation this season. In contrast, Forest has struggled away from home, averaging just 0.5 points per game on the road - a worrying statistic that favors the hosts.

Head-to-Head Record: Tight Encounters

This fixture has historically been closely contested. In their last 5 meetings, 1 match  has ended in a draw, with Everton winning 3 and Forest securing 1 victory.

Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton (April 2025)

Team News & Injury Updates

Everton Injury Report

• Jarrad Branthwaite: Hamstring - Late fitness test
• Merlin Rohl: Hernia
• Seamus Coleman: Foot - Ruled out
• Michael Keane: Unspecified

Nottingham Forest Injury Report

• Chris Wood: Knee - Ruled out (major blow to Forest's attack)
• Taiwo Awoniyi: Groin - 50% chance of featuring
• Murillo: illness 
• Douglas Luiz - Unspecified
• Ola Aina: Hamstring
• Angus Gunn: Knee
• Zinchenko: Unspecified

The absence of Chris Wood is particularly significant, as the Stricker has been Forest's primary goal outlet.

Tactical Breakdown

Everton: The Moyes Blueprint

David Moyes will employ his signature tactical approach:

• Width and Overlaps: Full-backs Mykolenko and Garner providing attacking width
• Creative Hub: All attacking play channeled through Jack Grealish cutting inside from the left
• Set-Piece Threat: Targeting Tarkowski's aerial dominance from corners and free-kicks

Nottingham Forest: Counter-Attacking Setup

Forest manager will likely deploy a defensive 4-5-1 formation out of possession, looking to:

• Rapid Transitions: Utilizing the pace of Hutchinson and Hudson-Odoi on the break
• Compact Defense: Restricting space in central areas to nullify Everton's playmakers

Probable Starting Line-ups

Everton (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Pickford (C)
• DEF: Garner, Tarkowski, O'brien, Mykolenko
• MID: Iroegbunam, Dewsbury-Hall
• AM: Ndiaye, Alcaraz, Grealish
• FWD: Barry

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Sels
• DEF: Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Savona
• MID: Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White
• FWD: Hutchinson, Igor Jesus, Hudson-Odoi

Everton vs Nottingham Forest Final Score Prediction

With the creative influence of Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest will be hoping to unlock a well-organized David Moyes defense. Everton, energized by the home crowd at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium and inspired by Jack Grealish's match-winning form, should have enough quality to secure all three points.

The Toffees' recent victory at Bournemouth demonstrated their ability to grind out results, and with Forest's poor away record, this match favors the home side.

Final Score Prediction: Everton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Match Winner: Everton to win

Both Teams to Score: No

Where to Watch Everton vs Nottingham Forest

• UK: Not televised (3 PM Saturday blackout)
• USA: Peacock Premium
• International: Check your local Premier League broadcast partners

Key Talking Points

Can Jack Grealish Continue His Form?

The Manchester City loanee has been instrumental in Everton's recent upturn, providing the creativity and unpredictability that has been missing from their attack. His ability to drift inside and combine with Dewsbury-Hall will be crucial.

Forest's Away-Day Blues

Nottingham Forest's struggles on the road represent their biggest concern. With just one win away from the City Ground this season, they'll need a significantly improved performance to take anything from Goodison Park.

The Chris Wood Absence

Forest's attacking options are severely diminished without their star Talisman. Igor Jesus and Hitchinson will need to provide more than just attacking threat if Forest are to threaten Everton's backline.

Conclusion: Everton's Game to Lose

This Everton vs Nottingham Forest Premier League clash should see the home side claim a comfortable victory. With superior form, home advantage at the new Hill-Dickinson Stadium, and Jack Grealish in inspired form, the Toffees have all the ingredients for success.

Forest's depleted squad and poor away record suggest they'll struggle to contain David Moyes' organized and motivated team. Expect Everton to control possession, create chances through wide areas, and ultimately secure three vital points in their European qualification push.

Our Prediction: Everton 2-0 Nottingham Forest