Inform Everton Host Thriving Forest In Last Match of 2024

To cap off an interesting calendar year for Everton, Nuno Espírito Santo's Nottingham Forest, who currently sit within the Champions League places in the Premier League table, visit Goodison Park.

It is safe to say Nottingham Forest has exceeded a lot of people's expectations this season, with New Zealand striker Chris Wood being the main man in the season's success. A huge 10 goals so far in the Premier League should be noticed as a massive achievement, placing the 33-year-old joint 5th in the race for the Golden Boot, just behind names like Erling Haaland, Mohammed Salah, and Cole Palmer. As of late, Forest has picked up 15/18 possible points in the last 6 fixtures, with the only time dropping points being against Manchester City, Everton's opponents last weekend.

For the last four seasons, Manchester City has been reigning as Premier League Champions, maintaining world-class form throughout, but now it seems things have changed... Since December 1st, Pep Guardiola's team has stumbled completely. The last 6 Premier League games could be classified as a disaster, only managing to grasp 5 points from a possible 18. Also, with the threat of punishment due to Financial Fair Play, an increase in the amount of charges from 115 to 130, are Manchester City crumbling to the core? Everton were the latest to exploit this bad patch, with the Toffees claiming a grateful point away from home, continuing Sean Dyche's side's good run of form. The December fixture list, at first glance, would appear extremely menacing. However, now the realisation that the Blues have faced Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea without being beaten has hit. Although, now the job for Everton is to turn these amazing defensive displays into sparking some goals, the issue for the club at the moment. Although, new signing Iliman Ndiaye might be the man. The Senegalese international joined the club from Marseille in the summer. The agile and tricky midfielder has landed in a perfect position as the 24-year-old is getting the Evertonians out of their seats but, most importantly, providing for the team, which is what happened at the Etihad.

As the ball was played by Abdoulaye Docuoure across Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega's penalty area, it landed into the path of Ndiaye, whilst fullback Rico Lewis was attempting to run to block the attacker, guiding the ball with the outside of his foot into the top right-hand corner, equalising for the Toffees. In the second half, a penalty save by England's number one, Jordan Pickford, against Erling Haaland forced the point to be shared.

For Nottingham Forest, an impressive 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, with a goal from Anthony Elanga in the first half, alongside ex-player Djed Spence being sent off in the fourth minute of additional time, spread joy for the home fans in the City Ground as they collectively sang, "You used to play for a big club," in the direction of Spence whilst the 24-year-old was exiting the field of play.

For this fixture for Forest, the unavailable players list is relatively small, as Ibrahim Sangare is out due to a thigh injury, Ryan Yates is suspended, and Danilo is out due to an ankle injury. On the other hand, Sean Dyche has revealed that Dwight McNeil's service for the game is a "maybe" and a touch-and-go situation. Iliman Ndiaye was taken off in the 81st minute of the 1-1 draw against Man City, and so was Coleman in the 90th, both as precautions. Seamus Coleman recently spoke out about the recent results and support the Toffees have received; here is what he had to say.

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Seamus Coleman Interview:

"The lads have shown great qualities this December so far together in this fighting spirit, fighting until the very end"

"I've been back a few weeks now, and listen, Ashley has been, in my opinion, one of our better players this season. He's been absolutely exceptional."

"I love this football club, of course I do. Our supporters, through thick and thin, will always show up... they're the best supporters in the country."

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