As the Premier League season edges closer to its climax, an intriguing fixture is set to unfold at Goodison Park, where Everton will host Nottingham Forest on April 21, 2024. Both teams, locked in the lower half of the table, will be eager to secure precious points in their quest for survival.

Match analysis

This fixture pits two teams against each other whose current form and standings in the league suggest a closely fought contest. Everton, with a form reading "LWDLL", have shown signs of inconsistency, managing only one win in their last five outings. Nottingham Forest's form "DLWDD", isn't much to boast about either, yet they've managed to draw where Everton have lost, showing a slightly more resilient side.

Everton's recent home advantage hasn't quite been the fortress they'd hope, with a significant 6-0 thrashing from Chelsea highlighting vulnerability at the back. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, has shown they can find the net, evidenced by a 3-1 victory over Fulham but have also had their share of defensive woes, as seen in their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.

Recent form

- Everton have won 1, drawn 2, and lost 2 of their last 5 Premier League matches.
- Nottingham Forest have won 1, drawn 3, and lost 1 in their last 5 league games.
- Everton have conceded 11 goals in their last 5 matches, highlight a shaky defense.
- Nottingham Forest, while scoring in 4 out of their last 5 matches, have struggled to turn those goals into wins.

Head to head

- Everton victory: 50%
- Nottingham Forest victory: 0%
- Draws: 50%

Key points observed in head-to-head encounters:
- Everton have managed to keep Nottingham Forest at bay in recent matches, winning one and drawing two.
- Goals have been shared fairly evenly in recent meetings, with both teams showing they can find the back of the net against each other.

Prediction

This game is more than just a battle for points; it's a fight for Premier League survival. Both teams have shown they can score, but their defensive vulnerabilities paint a picture of a match where both teams could likely find the net. The recent form and head-to-head statistics suggest a slight edge for Everton, particularly with the home advantage.

However, considering Everton's defensive concerns and Nottingham Forest's ability to score away from home, a high-scoring affair could be on the cards.

- Full time score prediction: Everton 2-1 Nottingham Forest
- Betting tip: Both teams to score (Yes), with a slight leaning towards over 2.5 goals for those looking for additional risk. Everton's need to bounce back after their heavy defeat could see them push more men forward, leaving spaces at the back for Nottingham Forest to exploit.

This match promises to be a closely contested one, with both teams desperate for points. The slight advantage Everton has at Goodison Park might just be the edge they need to secure a crucial win in their fight for survival.