Everton vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Momentum, History & Key Battles

Everton enter the weekend carrying something they have not felt in months: genuine momentum. The dramatic late win over Bournemouth did more than deliver three points it shifted the atmosphere around the Toffees. It reminded supporters that this squad still has personality, resilience, and players capable of altering the trajectory of a season that has constantly flirted with instability.

Jack Grealish was at the centre of it all. His late winner may have sealed the result, but the celebration delivered the real message. The badge kiss, the connection with supporters, and the release of emotion spoke louder than any post-match interview. It felt like a player rediscovering purpose and a club rediscovering belief. Grealish is not just settling in he is transforming into a decisive figure. Everton look different when he plays with conviction.

Nottingham Forest arrive with a different type of momentum. Their gritty win over Wolves was a performance built on structure and defiance rather than flair. Sean Dyche has shaped this Forest side into a team that competes with discipline and refuses to fold under pressure. They earned every inch of that result and will come to Goodison with a clear identity and no fear. Dyche also returns with a point to prove after departing Everton earlier this year, which adds an edge to an already tense fixture.

Squad-wise, Forest hold the advantage. Ola Aina remains their only notable injury concern, giving Dyche continuity in selection and stability in approach. Morgan Gibbs-White continues to be the creative heartbeat, dictating tempo and carrying the influence to change matches. If Everton afford him space, he will take control.

Everton still face their own personnel issues. Idrissa Gueye’s suspension removes vital midfield protection, and the continued absence of Jarrad Branthwaite leaves a defensive gap that has yet to fully close. But momentum has a way of masking imperfections.

Ndiaye is growing in confidence, Tarkowski has stepped up as a leader, and the entire squad carries a spark that was missing before Bournemouth.

Historically, Everton have dominated this fixture. They have taken seven of the last thirteen meetings and have lost only once to Forest at Goodison Park in the Premier League era. Goodison has rarely been kind to Forest, who have often struggled against Everton’s physicality, intensity, and direct patterns of play. Even in seasons marked by inconsistency, this matchup has regularly tilted in Everton’s favour. The weight of that history shapes expectations heading into this weekend.

Saturday becomes a test of who they truly are.

Everton seek confirmation that the Bournemouth victory was the beginning of a revival rather than a moment of luck. Forest seek validation that the Wolves victory represents the foundation for long-term stability. One side arrives with emotion. The other arrives with structure. Both arrive needing a statement.