Premier League: Forest Sense Return to the Big Time

Nottingham Forest vs Everton

The run-in to the Premier League finale is officially underway and, with no title race to speak of, and the relegation battle all but settled, that means the main focus and excitement centres on the race for the European spots.

With Liverpool now champions elect and Arsenal likely to secure the runners-up berth, it leaves the remaining contenders battling it out for what is likely to be three Champions League spots.

In the mix at this moment in time are a trio of big spenders in Chelsea, reigning champions Manchester City and League Cup winners Newcastle, along with Aston Villa and….wait for it… a club that finished just one place above the drop zone last term.

Yet as their Premier League 2025 highlights (and displays before Christmas) have demonstrated, Nottingham Forest are not in third place by default. Not a bit of it.

 

Talking Points

Forest went down 2-1 to Villa last weekend but it was not too damaging a defeat as two of the sides directly behind them, Chelsea and City, drew on their travels.

They will be keen to avoid a repeat of their slow start at Villa Park and I expect them to be motivated as the scent of European Cup football – a sight that evokes memories of the late, great Brian Clough for this SBOTOP admirer – edges potentially ever closer.

For anyone who doubts this great club’s place in the leading pack, you only need to take a look at their results during this campaign.

After a first win at Liverpool since 1969, a first win at Manchester United since 1994, and a first league victory over City in 28 years – and there are other stand-out results too – it’s fair to say, those by the Trent can smell the Champions League.

As flying Forest dare to dream, so their opponents this weekend are beginning to dream of their new home.

Since returning to Goodison Park in January, David Moyes has done a fine job – getting a tune out of players who seemed in need of a change – and that is not being disrespectful to Sean Dyche who deserves praise for what he achieved during his tenure amidst a turbulent background.

That the Toffees have only lost one league match since the Scot’s return speaks for itself and this includes draws with Liverpool, United and, last weekend, Arsenal.

Shorn of players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and midfielder Orel Mangala, they can head into their new horizon at a new stadium with a spring in their step.

Now I’ve said all that, here’s why I think they will end up with nothing to show from their trip to the Trent this weekend.

For a start, they have now gone six games without victory, which includes five draws, and their season is in danger of petering out.

I expect they will deliver a few more special moments at Goodison Park before their move to the new Bramley-Moore Dock ground, to give the grand old stadium the send-off it deserves.

But with survival long assured, will they be motivated enough on their travels, especially against opponents who very much have plenty to play for.

 

History

Traditionally this has been a close run thing with the Merseysiders edging ahead by 57 wins to 48. There have also been 28 draws.

The Toffees edged this game last term when Dyche’s side were responding brilliantly to an eight points deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and won courtesy of a solitary Dwight McNeil goal.

Steve Cooper left the Forest hotseat shortly after that and his successor, Nuno Espirito Santo, oversaw their 2-0 victory at Goodison earlier this season when Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White were on target.

Ironically, that proved to be one of Dyche’s final games in charge of the Toffees and he was replaced by Moyes who, until last week, had been unbeaten in the top flight since his January arrival.

It was September 1995 when Forest last defeated Everton on home soil, a 3-2 success.

Ian Woan netted the winner on that occasion, joined on the scoresheet by Jason Lee and an own goal. Paul Rideout grabbed both for the then FA Cup holders.

You also have to go back 30 seasons to the last time Forest completed a league double over Everton.

Their very first meeting was in September 1892 in the former Division One, a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. Fred Geary and Alf Milward were the home marksmen that day.

 

Betting Tip

The Premier League 2025 betting odds are favouring Forest and so am I.

That is not to dismiss Everton who have been in fine form under Moyes and deserve enormous credit.

I just feel their desire will outweigh opponents with little but pride to play for.

You can back the hosts 1X2 @ 2.08 compared to the Toffees @ 3.42 – the draw is on offer @ 3.04.

It’s a similar scenario with Asian Handicap odds which include Forest -0.75 @ 2.44 – my *** bet – and Everton +0.25 @ 2.07.

Another 2-0 Forest success will pay out @ 8.80 with Correct Score, while a first goalless draw between the sides since March 1991 is an option @ 7.50.

   

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