Everton know exactly how to overcome Nottingham Forest as stat exposes major weakness
Everton could look to set plays to overcome Nottingham Forest when the two teams clash on Saturday.
It could be a tricky game for David Moyes’ side, with the Reds winning three of their last four Premier League games coming into the tie.
However, Everton are also full of confidence after their superb 1-0 away win against Bournemouth.
Nevertheless, it is set to be a tricky game for the Toffees, but Forest’s inability to defend set pieces may give Moyes the deciding advantage.
Nottingham Forest are incapable of defending set pieces
According to Opta on 4 December, Nottingham Forest have struggled to defend set pieces throughout the season.
To date, they have conceded a whopping 6.33 xG off dead balls, the fourth highest in the division.
This has led to five goals being let in, amounting to just under a quarter of their overall conceded goals in the league this season.
- Forest have struggled to defend set plays in the Premier League
- This is also true in the Europa League, conceding a 2.37 xG from five matches
- Now, Everton should look to exploit this weakness
In comparison, despite Everton not having a set-piece coach, they have been highly proficient from set plays.
To date, they have produced a 6.35 xG from dead balls, the fourth highest in the division. This has resulted in four goals for the Toffees.
Therefore, set pieces may prove to be Everton’s secret weapon against Forest.
If they can exploit this weakness, they will surely gain the edge in the match and come away with three points.
David Moyes has mixed record against Nottingham Forest
Despite Moyes’ long career in management, he has only come up against Forest eight times.
During these meetings, he has had mixed fortunes, with the Scotsman only achieving three victories.
In the other five games, Forest have won three, with two ending in draws.
However, Moyes did beat Saturday’s opponents in his last meeting, as Everton overcame Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground.
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