Everton vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Sean Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo aim to boost suvival hopes in the deduction derby
The last time these two sides met was in early December, when Everton had just come off the pitch and were initially given a ten-point deduction – which was subsequently reduced to six on appeal.
A Dwight McNeil strike secured the victory, with the three points sparking a run of four consecutive victories for the Toffees.
They’ve actually only won once in the league since that run, which just goes to show how tough this season has been for Sean Dyche and Co.
It was a well-deserved three points at the City Ground and you can catch up on that game below…
News from the forest team
Meanwhile, Nuno makes two changes from last Saturday’s tough 2-2 draw against Wolves.
Dominguez and Niakhate replace Yates and Omobamidele, who are both dropped to the bench.
Reyna is rewarded with a fresh start after his impressive performance last week.
Sean Dyche makes four changes from Monday’s horror show in Chelsea, with Gana, Gomes, Harrison and Calvert-Lewin replacing Coleman, Onana, Garner and Beto.
It looks like the evergreen Young will drop back to right-back, with Coleman not making the cut today after taking a knock on Monday.
Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin are both fit to start in a huge boost for Everton.
Like their opponents today, Nottingham Forest have suffered points deductions this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side being handed a four-point penalty last month for breaching FFP rules.
They have generally improved under the former Wolves and Tottenham boss and have rarely been badly beaten, but Forest have won just one of their past nine games in all competitions.
Forest will remain out of the relegation zone regardless of today’s result, but you sense that now is the time to go one step further and distance themselves from the relegation battle.
We’ll have team news in about five minutes!
Toffees wanting to bounce back
It is fair to say that Everton did not enjoy the best of days last time against Chelsea.
Sean Dyche’s side put in a dismal performance at Stamford Bridge as they suffered their heaviest defeat of the season.
Dyche hopes this was just a mistake, but you can watch highlights from Monday’s match below, including a whopping four goals from Cole Palmer.
A huge crash at the bottom
What an opportunity today is for both sides to get some breathing space away from the bottom three.
A win would be huge in the battle to avoid relegation, while a defeat would only increase the pressure in the final weeks of the season.
A huge afternoon is planned…
Signs up
And it’s great news for the hosts that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is in the squad after missing the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea through injury.
The England striker has started to regain some form in recent weeks after a barren run in front of goal.
Sean Dyche will need a big performance from his talisman today.
The calm before the storm
And I have to say that Goodison Park looks absolutely stunning today.
It’s a beautiful old stadium that will certainly be missed when Everton move for the start of the 2025/26 season.
Good afternoon
And welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for this afternoon’s crucial clash between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park.
It’s 16th versus 17th, with both teams looking to grab crucial points in the battle to avoid relegation.
Stay with us for all the build-up, team news and updates from across the match.
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