Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of Everton’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday (April 21).
Everton were humiliated 6-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night (15 April) and are now two points above the relegation zone with six games remaining.
The Toffees next meet Forest in a relegation six-pointer, but despite the Reds being a place and a point below Everton, Merson told Sportskeeda (18 April) that he believes Forest will have the advantage at Goodison Park and win 2-0 away.
“The result of this game depends on what Luton do against Brentford” , Merson remarked in a statement.
“Everton were completely demolished by Chelsea the other day, and they recently crossed the line against Burnley owing to a goalkeeping blunder, so I believe Forest will win this one.
“Everton are struggling and need more points to secure their Premier League status.
“I don’t see that occurring this week. Everton 0–2 Nottingham Forest.
Everton facing relegation in the Premier League
Everton overcame Burnley in their most recent match at Goodison Park, their first Premier League victory since mid-December after going 13 games without a win, tying a club record.
Merson’s claim that the Toffees “fell over the line” to beat Burnley is correct, as a deflected Arijanet Muric clearance bounced off Dominic Calvert-Lewin and looped into the net.
Any optimism generated by that lucky triumph was dashed by a dismal performance against Chelsea, where they were 4-0 down at halftime and capitulated further in the second half as the Blues thrashed them by six goals.
The massive loss, one of the heaviest in team history, combined with a seemingly never-ending takeover saga rumbling in the background, means Goodison Park could be far from cheerful come Sunday, April 21.
With Forest in better form than Everton and Luton with the opportunity to leapfrog them both by defeating Brentford the day before, it’s a critical weekend for both the Toffees’ season and future.
For Everton fans, the game must end with the club proving Merson incorrect and collecting three points to demonstrate that they are still in the Premier League race.
