Everton are heading into their game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday on the back of three Premier League wins from their last four.
Tuesday night offered the perfect response from David Moyes’ side with an impressive win on the road against Bournemouth.
However, Everton’s last game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was a bit of a horror show against Newcastle United.
The game is going to mark the return of Sean Dyche to Merseyside following his sacking back in January.
Speaking ahead of the game, Dyche has admitted he is hoping for a warm reception on his first visit to Everton’s new stadium.
With both sides heading into the game on the back of three points, Paul Merson has shared exactly how he thinks the game will unfold.
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Paul Merson shares his Everton vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Earlier in the week, Merson predicted Everton to lose against Bournemouth following their drubbing against the Toon.
In fairness, Bournemouth have been on fire this season and not many sides have had the better of the Cherries this season.
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It does seem as if the Sky Sports pundit has learned his lesson, though, with Merson sharing his thoughts to Sportskeeda.
Are you confident Everton will take three points against Nottingham Forest? 🤔
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“I just can’t seem to figure out what kind of a team Everton are at the moment,” said Merson.
“They draw against Sunderland, beat Fulham at home, win with 10 men away from home to Manchester United, then get destroyed by Newcastle at home and now go to Bournemouth and win!
“Three points were well deserved for Everton against Bournemouth, but the run suggests you just don’t know what you will get from them in games.”
“This will be a really tight game, but I believe Everton will secure a narrow [1-0] win.”
Roy Keane thinks Everton will get a point from Forest, with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher expecting Dyche’s side to take all the points.
No Premier League game is proving easy this season and a fourth win out of five would be a real statement from the Blues.
David Moyes faces selection headache at Everton
Everton are going to be without Tim Iroegbunam and potentially even Michael Keane as well, as Moyes’ selection issues continue.
It has to be viewed as an opportunity for whichever player(s) come into the side for a rare start on Merseyside.
What type of reception does Sean Dyche deserve on Saturday? 🤐
“The Toffees are a strong bunch in many ways, it may be good, bad or indifferent [the reaction he gets], but they know deep down the work that we did.
“I know there is plenty of them because they all came and told me.”
Sean Dyche on how he will be welcomes back to Everton.
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Nathan Patterson has returned from injury, which could see him start the game at right-back, but Tyler Dibling could also force a switch around with the three behind the striker.
Moyes has options, but the injuries and suspensions are the last thing he would have hoped for as the club enters the hectic festive schedule.
Most Everton fans will likely offer Dyche the warm welcome he is hoping for, but they will be hoping he leaves Merseyside without a point to show for his trip to the Hill Dickinson.
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