Paul Merson makes ‘huge’ Nottingham Forest vs Everton prediction after latest developments
Paul Merson believes that Everton will have a hard time against Nottingham Forest.
Everton travel to The City Ground to face Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, as the Toffees will be looking to get back to winning ways.
Last time out in the Premier League, Everton were held to a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor, as relegation-threatened Burnley kept the Toffees’ toothless attack at bay.
David Moyes voiced his frustration after the game and apologised for the poor performance that Blues fans had to sit and watch for 90 minutes.
Everton have already beaten Nottingham Forest this month, but despite this, Merson has his doubts this time round.
Paul Merson calls Everton’s attack ‘toothless’
Everton are without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, with the pair still away with Senegal for their country’s African Cup of Nations tournament.
Jack Grealish was absent from the Burnley game due to a suspected virus that the Englishman picked up during the week, and may not start from the off against Forest.
While writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson explained why Everton‘s stripped attack could let them down ahead of the clash.
Merson wrote: “With Iliman Ndiaye away on AFCON duty, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Jack Grealish unwell, I expect Everton to struggle. If those three don’t play, Everton become toothless in attack.
“Everton have failed to score in the last three games as well. I’m backing Forest to get a huge three points that will open up some breathing space between them and West Ham.”
Even if Grealish makes it back in time, the readings from the past three games may not convince.
- Read more: Everton plan for life after Jack Grealish amid latest bargain update on Ruben Vargas transfer
Everton’s attacking data from last three games, an in-depth look
The Blues have been without Ndiaye for the past two matches, and it’s shown.
However, Everton had arguably their best attack start in the loss versus Chelsea earlier in December, and it was the start of a three-game run without a goal.
- Everton have had 31 shots in the past three games
- Nine of these shots have been on target
- During this run, 2.08 xG has been accumulated
Everton have also missed four big chances during this period, and it’s clear to see that attacking absences are letting Moyes down.
Bluenoses may be worried about the fact that Moyes only has Beto and Barry as his number nines to choose from, with a striker desperately needed in the January window.
But Forest presents another chance for the Toffees to turn things around, as a goal surely has to come at some point.
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