Chris Sutton has revealed his prediction for the Premier League match between Everton and Nottingham Forest on Sunday, April 21.
The Toffees have won only one of their past 15 games and were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea in their most recent outing, while Forest have won only one of their last nine games, with both clubs fighting for relegation after receiving points punishments for exceeding PSR limitations.
Now, the two teams face in a major showdown at Goodison Park, and in his predictions for BBC Sport (18 April), Sutton backed Sean Dyche’s side to channel their “anger” from the setback to Chelsea and win 2-1.
“This game could be dubbed ‘the deduction derby’ and it’s hard to know what to expect from either team,” he added. “I had Everton down to draw against Chelsea last time, so I was just six goals out.
“The doubts here are whether Sean Dyche’s side will respond to that crushing setback, and whether Toffees attacker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be fit.
“Without him, Everton lacks bite. Beto missed a three-yarder on Monday that reminded me of when I played for Chelsea and was even missing from inside the goal.
“Nottingham Forest are also in poor form, with only one win in nine games, so a draw is the safe bet.
“I won’t do that, though. I believe a winner will emerge from the bottom game. And I’m going with Everton to sneak it, assuming they’ll be angry after losing 6-0. “Everton 2-1 Nottingham Forest.”
Everton must beat Nottingham Forest for survival
The Toffees are presently two points above the relegation zone, with Nottingham Forest just below them, but there is no margin for mistake.
Burnley is finally starting to produce results, whilst Luton has been a jack-in-the-box all season, picking up points when no one expected them to.
This would be a fantastic opportunity for the Toffees to open up a space between themselves and the clubs behind them, and with time running out on the season, one win may mean the difference.
Obviously, Dyche’s goal has not altered, and it will be difficult to achieve with only one win in 15 games and a crushing defeat in the most recent game.
But Goodison Park will be rocking, knowing how important this game is, and they may be able to secure their Premier League spot by showing up and taking all three points to prove Sutton correct.
In other Everton news, David Ornstein provided an update on the future of Dele Alli.
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