Everton are aiming for a first away win in four attempts when they travel to face high-flying Nottingham Forest this weekend.
It continues a tricky run for the Toffees who managed to bounce back from derby defeat against Liverpool with a 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out.
Despite that, converting draws into wins has proved difficult in recent weeks for David Moyes' side, having drawn six of their last eight games.
The Blues last league win ironically came nearly a month ago when Charly Alcaraz's late goal sealed a 2-1 comeback over Crystal Palace - a period of six matches since.
Nottingham Forest in contrast, are continuing their impressive charge for a Champions League spot, hoping to respond from a narrow loss against Aston Villa last Saturday.
That result ended a run of three successive league wins, increasing the need for a positive result to pull ahead from the chasing pack.
The recent omens lie towards Forest, having come out 2-0 winners in the reverse fixture back in December.
Everton have had the edge however, with that result being their only head-to-head loss since the Reds' return to the top-flight in 2022.
Turning to the present, Saturday’s game proves to be high pressure with both sides needing a win to kick on again.
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Team news
Nottingham Forest
Nuno Espírito Santo is hopeful of welcoming back a recognised striker this weekend with both Chris Wood (hip) and Taiwo Awoniyi (hamstring) missing the outing at Villa Park, in addition to defender Alex Moreno who was ineligible against his parent club.
Anthony Elanga also suffered a knock during the game to add to an injury list including Ola Aina, who has been ruled out since Forest’s 1-0 win over Man United at the beginning of April.
Everton
The Toffees’ injury backlog has eased somewhat with star-creator Dwight McNeil available to start, while Vitali Mykolenko is in contention to return to the squad after missing Saturday’s draw.
Moyes will still be without attacking reinforcements in Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jesper Lindstrom as well as midfielder Orel Mangala, who is sidelined for the season’s remainder.
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Predicted line-ups
Nottingham Forest
Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Everton
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski (c), Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Gueye, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Beto
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Players to watch
Nottingham Forest - Neco Williams
In light of Aina’s injury, the responsibility of starting-right back has fallen to Neco Williams, who has proved to be an able deputy.
The Welshman has rotated between both full-back spots this term and proved why his preferred slot is on the right, with his constant attacking thrust against Aston Villa creating Forest’s eventual consolation.
Despite being likely to start slightly further back, Everton need to watch for Williams getting in attacking areas, especially on the counter-attack.
Everton - Illiman Ndiaye
It is no secret that Illiman Ndiaye has been Everton’s magic man this season, with his recent absence a probable reason for so many draws.
The Senegal international is a source of goals, marking his return to equalise from the spot against Arsenal with his fourth goal from the last five starts.
Ndiaye has no problem operating in tight spaces and creating something from nothing, a quality that Forest’s tight structure needs to deal with.
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Match details
Where is the game being played?
The match will take place at the City Ground in Nottingham.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 12th April.
How can I watch?
The game will not be televised live in the UK. Highlights will be available to watch after full-time.
