Jamie Carragher shares ‘huge’ Everton admission ahead of showdown v Nottingham Forest
Jamie Carragher believes the clash against Nottingham Forest is going to be a “huge” game for Everton on Saturday (2 December).
Speaking on Sky Sports on Monday (27 November), the pundit said the trip to the City Ground feels “vital” after it hasn’t been “too difficult” of a start to the season on paper fixture-wise for the Toffees.
He added that the Blues have “a lot of tough games to come” and that it feels “vitally important” that they pick up points against Forest because of their position in the Premier League table.
“It just feels like next weekend’s game, Everton go to Nottingham Forest,” said Carragher. “You think where Forest are in the table also, it just feels like a really vital game because Everton’s start to the season and, I’ve said this before, hasn’t been too difficult on paper.
“In fact, it feels like they’ve got a lot of tough games to come. The next game they’ve got against opposition where they’ll feel they can get points or a win there, it feels vitally important. It feels like a huge game next week for them.”
Must-win territory
It may be a bit strange to suggest that Everton could be heading into must-win territory, but they are now five points from safety following the 10-point deduction and the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday (26 November).
They will be looking at the game against Forest as an opportunity to pick up points and reduce the gap to the sides outside of the relegation zone.
After the game at the City Ground, they face Newcastle, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham in four of their next five Premier League matches.
The Toffees simply can’t afford to have a lot of catching up to do on the teams above them, even if there is a chance that the points deduction could be reduced following the appeal.
Sean Dyche won’t be counting on that, though, as he’ll be looking to put his side in the best position to go out there and earn what would be a valuable three points.
In other Everton news, Alan Brazil has predicted “chaos” to ensue in the Premier League after a Toffees development.