Dyche, who began his playing career at Forest, has overseen a four-match unbeaten run for the Toffees, who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 before drawing with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

They had Jordan Pickford to thank for their latest point as he saved an Erling Haaland penalty in a 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium, although Wolves' win over Manchester United later pulled them within three points of the relegation zone.

After a dire start to the season, Dyche believes his team is in an improved spot, saying: "I don't remember too many times when we've lacked pure confidence.

"We didn't get off to a good start, so many things went against us, some of it our own doing.

"But I don't think it was a lack of confidence. Of course, confidence is driven and built by time and getting the right results and right performances, so I think we're in a better place than earlier in the season."

Forest, meanwhile, is flying high in the UEFA Champions League places after beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 via an Anthony Elanga goal, leaving Dyche impressed.

"I think like most people, I'm impressed with what they've been doing," Dyche said of Forest.

"They're pretty organised, working on the counter, they defend well and they've brought Chris Wood to life, with the goals he's been scoring.

"They've put together a very strong outfit and we have to make sure we're delivering."

The two teams found themselves embroiled in a battle for survival last season, with Everton winning their last meeting 2-0 in April – when Forest saw three penalty appeals denied and later complained about refereeing standards via its social media accounts.

Coach Nuno Espirito Santo has witnessed an improvement this campaign, saying: "This is what is normal. In my view, what happened before was not normal

"I think we are seeing a season of improvement and we are delighted because what we wanted is to play the game and ignore everything else.

"I hope it continues because us coaches and players we don't want to think about the referee, we just want to play football."