Paul Merson predicts who’ll win between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest

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Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will lock horns in Saturday’s 3pm Premier League kickoff at Villa Park.

Unai Emery‘s Villans will be eager to end a three-game losing run at home in all competitions, but they did win their last match, a 2-1 triumph at Fulham.

Likewise, Nuno Espirito Santo‘s Reds also won their last encounter, running out 2-0 victors over West Ham at the City Ground.

Prior to last weekend’s Premier League game, Forest triumphed against Bristol City on penalties to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Paul Merson predicts narrow Aston Villa win over Nottingham Forest

Paul Merson, writing on Sportskeeda, predicted how Villa and Forest would fare in the West Midlands on Saturday.

The former Villans ace believes it’ll be a “dodgy game” for the claret-and-blue outfit, because the Reds can “hurt” them on the counter.

However, Merson still reckons Villa will have enough to get the better of the East Midlands outfit. He predicted a 2-1 win for the hosts.

“This is a dodgy game for Aston Villa,” wrote Merson. “I’ve watched enough of Nottingham Forest, and they’re dangerous on the counter.

“Villa are going to have a go this weekend, but Forest have a lot of pace on the counter and that could hurt the hosts.

“Aston Villa play a high line, and that does leave them vulnerable at the back. I wouldn’t be shocked if Forest managed to get a result, but I’m going to back Aston Villa to win this game.”

Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest head-to-head

As per BBC Sport, Forest beat Villa 2-0 at the City Ground back in November, and could now do the double over the Villans for the first time since 1984-85.

However, Villa’s (relatively) recent home record over the Reds has been solid.

They are unbeaten in seven home games against Forest, and their only defeat in the past 14 meetings was back in October 1994.

The history between Villa and Forest stretches back to 1880. Villa have won 61 encounters against Forest, while the Reds have triumphed 39 times, and 31 matches have been draws.