Everton vs Nottingham Forest – Premier League: Live score, team news and updates as Sean Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo aim to boost suvival hopes in the deduction derby

The last time these two teams met was in early December, when Everton had just received an initial 10-point deduction, which was subsequently reduced to six on appeal.

A goal from Dwight McNeil secured the win, and the three points sparked a four-game winning streak for the Toffees.

In fact, they have only won once in the league since that run, which shows just how difficult this season has been for Sean Dyche and Co.

It was a well-deserved three points at the City Ground and you can watch that clash below…

Meanwhile, Nuno makes two changes from last Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Wolves.

Domínguez and Niakhate replace Yates and Omobamidele, who fall to the bench.

Reyna is rewarded with another start after her impressive display last week.

(4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Niakhate, Murillo, Aina; Dominguez, Danilo; Reyna, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Sean Dyche makes four changes from Monday’s horror show at Chelsea with Gana, Gomes, Harrison and Calvert-Lewin replacing Coleman, Onana, Garner and Beto.

The evergreen Young looks set to drop to right back, with Coleman missing out today after taking a knock on Monday.

Branthwaite and Calvert-Lewin are fit to start, which is a huge boost for Everton.

Here’s how I think they’ll line up:

(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gaña, Gomes; Harrison, Doucoure, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin

Like their opponents today, Nottingham Forest have faced a points deduction this season, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side being hit with a four-point penalty last month for breaching FFP rules.

They have generally improved under the former Wolves and Tottenham boss, and have rarely been beaten, but Forest have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions.

Forest will remain outside the relegation zone whatever the result today, but feel now is the time to step up and start to distance themselves from the relegation battle.

We’ll hear from the team in about five minutes!

It’s fair to say that Everton didn’t have the best of days last game against Chelsea.

Sean Dyche’s team had a dismal performance at Stamford Bridge and suffered the heaviest defeat of the season.

Dyche will hope it was just a blip, but you can catch up on highlights from Monday’s clash below, which included four impressive goals from Cole Palmer.

What an opportunity today is for both sides to get a break away from the bottom three.

A win would be huge in the battle to avoid relegation, while a defeat would only increase the pressure heading into the final weeks of the season.

A gigantic afternoon awaits us…

And it is great news for the hosts that Dominic Calvert-Lewin is with the team after missing the 6-0 thrashing of Chelsea due to injury.

The England striker has started to regain some form in recent weeks after a barren spell in front of goal.

Sean Dyche will need a big performance from his talisman today.

And I must say Goodison Park looks an absolute picture today.

It is a brilliant old stadium and will surely be missed when Everton relocate for the start of the 2025-26 season.

And welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for this afternoon’s crucial clash between Everton and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park.

It’s 16th versus 17th as both teams look to score crucial points in the battle to avoid relegation.

Stay with us for all the preparations, team news and updates throughout the game.