Paul Merson has projected the winner of this weekend’s match between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
He has spoken with Sportskeeda ahead of the next round of Premier League fixtures. So, what does Merson expect to happen to Forest this weekend? Let’s look more closely.
Paul Merson predicts who will win this weekend: Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa.
It’s likely to have been a happy week on the training pitch after Forest overcame West Ham to snap a Premier League winless streak of five games.
With that in mind, Merson believes the game this weekend will be closer than some might expect.
Villa have been fantastic at home this season, albeit they have had setbacks in recent weeks at Villa Park, losing to Newcastle and Manchester United.
Merson believes he will be closer, but Forest might be really dangerous in this one.
He told Sportskeeda, “This is a dodgy game for Aston Villa.” I’ve seen enough of Nottingham Forest, and they’re scary at the counter.
“Villa will have a go this weekend, but Forest has a lot of pace on the counter, which might affect the hosts.
“Aston Villa plays a high line, which leaves them vulnerable at the back. I wouldn’t be surprised if Forest got a result, but I’m going with Aston Villa to win this game.”
Forest has to demonstrate confidence against Villa.
This will be a difficult game, but it is maybe not surprising that Merson has predicted a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa.
Unai Emery’s team is extremely strong at home, and the smart money will be on the hosts this weekend.
However, Forest have beaten the odds on multiple times under Nuno Espirito Santo, and another shock might be on the way.
Forest must believe they can get something from each game for the rest of the campaign.
That has been clear under Espirito Santo, and Forest will seek to add to their tally this weekend by defeating Villa for the second time this season.
