Everton hosts Nottingham Forest in a fixture that ends their difficult run of games in December. After this match, the Toffees will have played four of the top seven teams consecutively, but they remain four points clear of the relegation zone. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match at 3 pm on Sunday, December 29.
Everton Predicted Lineup For Premier League Clash Against Nottingham Forest
How Everton Have Lined Up
Everton has maintained a consistent starting lineup despite the congested holiday fixtures. Only one change has been made in their previous three matches, due to the suspension of Ashley Young for their last match against Manchester City. Club captain Seamus Coleman replaced the veteran in the right-back position. Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski have both started every league game this season. Jarrad Branthwaite has started in the centre of defence alongside the former Burnley captain. Vitaliy Mykolenko is the only fit left back in the first-team squad and has started when fit.
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Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye have proved to be a dynamic duo in the base of the midfield. Abdoulaye Doucoure has moved across all three central midfield roles, most recently in the attacking role. Iliman Ndiaye has been a spark for the Toffees, providing excitement on the left wing. On the right Jack Harrison has started, his defensive work crucial in the previous three matches. Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to be the lone striker in the lineup, despite his scoring woes continuing.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Forest has been the surprise team of the season. Their run of form is on the back of their defence, conceding just 18 goals and earning seven clean sheets this season. The Toffees join the Tricky Trees with seven clean sheets, their defence turning around their form with the return of Branthwaite.
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Everton have struggled going forward, with their 4-2-3-1 formation isolating the striker meaning they rely on long passes to create the bulk of their chances. A stagnant attack against this Forest defence will be shut down quickly. Fast breaks and early crosses will be the main way for the Toffees to threaten.
Everton Injuries To Consider
In this week’s press conference manager Sean Dyche outlined the fitness of the first-team squad. Ndiaye and Coleman are both hopeful, to be available after being substituted against Manchester City. Dwight McNeil has missed the previous three games with a knee injury that could see him sidelined once more this weekend.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Seamus Coleman
CB: Jarrad Branthwaite
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Orel Mangala
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CAM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
LM: Iliman Ndiaye
RM: Dwight McNeil
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
