The final Premier League fixture of 2025 at the City Ground sees Nottingham Forest host Everton in what promises to be a tense and tactical battle. Both sides are eager to end the year on a positive note after a challenging festive period. Nottingham Forest, sitting 17th in the table, are desperate to move away from the relegation zone, while Everton, currently 11th, aim to rediscover their scoring touch after a series of frustrating results. The two teams met earlier this month, with Everton claiming a convincing win, and the hosts will now be seeking revenge in front of their supporters.

Nottingham Forest’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Nottingham Forest come into this clash following a narrow 1-2 defeat against Manchester City on December 27, a result that extended their losing streak to two matches. Despite showing resilience, the Tricky Trees were undone by a late goal, highlighting their ongoing defensive inconsistencies. Over their last five matches, Forest have recorded two wins and three defeats, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Their season record stands at five wins, three draws, and ten losses, with an average of one goal scored and 1.6 conceded per match.

At home, Forest’s performances have been inconsistent. They have managed only five victories in twelve league games at the City Ground, losing half of them. However, one encouraging trend is that over 0.5 goals have been scored in the second half in 18 of their last 20 home matches, suggesting that late drama is often a feature of their games. The team’s attacking output has been hampered by absences, with key players missing due to injuries and international duty. The ongoing AFCON tournament has deprived them of important contributors, while other squad members remain sidelined through fitness issues.

Historically, Nottingham Forest have struggled against Everton, winning just once in their last five meetings and losing the other four. They have also failed to score in four of those encounters, averaging only 0.4 goals per game while conceding 1.4. This poor head-to-head record adds pressure on the hosts to deliver a strong performance in front of their fans.

Everton’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Everton arrive in Nottingham after a goalless draw against Burnley on December 27, a result that extended their winless run to three matches. The Toffees have struggled in attack recently, failing to score in each of those three games. Over their last five fixtures, they have registered two wins, one draw, and two defeats, averaging 0.8 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per match. Their overall season record of seven wins, four draws, and seven losses reflects a team capable of defensive solidity but lacking consistency in front of goal.

Everton’s attacking woes have been exacerbated by the absence of several key players. The AFCON tournament has taken away two of their most influential midfielders, while injuries have sidelined others who have contributed significantly to their goal tally this season. The absence of these creative and attacking options has left the team short of firepower, explaining their recent scoring drought. Despite these setbacks, Everton can take confidence from their recent dominance over Nottingham Forest, including a 3-0 victory earlier this month.

Defensively, Everton have remained relatively solid, conceding just 0.6 goals per game in their last five outings. However, their inability to convert chances has cost them valuable points. The Toffees will look to capitalize on Forest’s defensive lapses, but their own lack of attacking options could make this another low-scoring affair.

Match Analysis and Tactical Overview

This fixture brings together two sides struggling for form and goals. Nottingham Forest’s home advantage could play a role, but their inconsistency and lack of cutting edge in attack remain major concerns. Everton, on the other hand, have been more disciplined defensively but are equally blunt going forward. Both teams have been affected by absences due to injuries and international commitments, which could lead to a cautious and tightly contested match.

Recent trends suggest that goals may be scarce. Four of the last five meetings between these sides have produced under 2.5 goals, and both teams have failed to score in several of their recent fixtures. Nottingham Forest have scored only once in their last two matches, while Everton have gone three games without finding the net. Given these patterns, another low-scoring encounter appears likely.

Nottingham Forest will aim to exploit any defensive lapses from Everton, particularly in the second half where they tend to be more productive. However, the visitors’ organized backline could frustrate the hosts once again. With both sides struggling to create clear chances, the match could hinge on a single moment of quality or a defensive mistake.

BetMines Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs Everton

BetMines prediction: Both Teams To Score – No with 47% probability.

Considering the recent form of both sides, their attacking absences, and the historical trend of low-scoring encounters, the most likely outcome is that at least one team will fail to find the net. A tight, defensive contest is expected at the City Ground as both teams look to end the year with a much-needed result.