Michael Keane: Everton owe fans a 'big win' at Forest

The Toffees have shown impressive form away from home this season. They have already recorded a first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford since 2013 and secured their first-ever Premier League victory at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium. Everton also beat Forest 3-0 earlier this month at home in the Premier League.

Keane acknowledged the Burnley match was below the standards Everton have set this term. "I thought we played pretty poorly - I don't think we ever really got into our rhythm from the first minute," he said. "Burnley made it difficult, but we needed to show a bit more bravery on the ball, try to pass it a bit more, try to control the game a bit better."

Keeping a clean sheet was one positive, Keane added, but he said the team must improve. "We've been really good away from home so far this season and we've passed the ball a lot better than what we did (against Burnley), so that's something we need to get back to," he said.

Looking ahead to Forest at the City Ground, Keane said the squad want to reward the travelling support. "The fans here are always amazing, they follow us everywhere we go no matter what and sell out every away section," he said. "We want to give them something more to cheer about because I think [at Burnley] we let them down a little bit."

Forest arrive at this fixture having lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City on Saturday, in a match that saw Forest lodge a complaint about officiating after controversial decisions late in the game.

Everton will still be without key players Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while injuries persist elsewhere in the squad.

Keane said: "We want a reaction, hopefully we can prepare in these next couple of days and put in a good performance against Forest."

Everton know a win could extend their strong recent away record and build momentum as they close out the calendar year.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca demands strong 2025 finish as Chelsea host Bournemouth