The match between Nottingham Forest and Everton is set to be an exciting encounter during the Premier League‘s festive season.
This much-anticipated “Sean Dyche Derby” sees Forest’s manager face one of his former clubs, Everton.
Forest is just five points ahead of the relegation zone and desperately needs points, especially after solid performances against Fulham and Manchester City without scoring any points.
Everton is also facing a rough patch but is seven points ahead of Forest and 12 points clear from the relegation zone, despite not winning in their last three games.
With both teams eager to break their losing streak, securing three points could be crucial as they head toward the New Year.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton: Team News
Forest will be missing defender Willy Boly and midfielder Ibrahim Sangare due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
Ola Aina and Ryan Yates are sidelined with hamstring injuries, and striker Chris Wood is also out, as he was seen wearing a knee brace after the recent match against Manchester City.
Summer signing Dan Ndoye is also in recovery, but he may have a slim chance to play in this match.
On the other hand, Everton is dealing with several hamstring injuries affecting defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman, along with midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Jack Grealish is expected to miss this match due to illness, while Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Two Teams Struggling Before the New Year
The festive season has not been favorable for either team, with Everton winless in their last three Premier League matches, while Forest has not won in their last two.
Everton did manage to earn a point in their last match, drawing 0-0 against newly-promoted Burnley.
Their last victories were at the beginning of December, where they won 1-0 against Bournemouth and 3-0 against Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dyche’s squad has been improving, narrowly missing out on points in their last two matches against Fulham and Manchester City, losing 1-0 and 2-1 respectively.
Prior to these losses, Forest enjoyed a good run, winning four of six games in the Premier League and the Europa League, with victories against Malmo, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Utrecht, and Tottenham Hotspur.
The club is looking to bounce back under Dyche after a challenging period with managerial changes and their low position near the relegation zone.
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