LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Paul Merson on stage at the Legends of Football 2023 event at Grosvenor House on October 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by JMEnternational/Getty Images)
Unai Emery’s side are fifth in the Premier League league after a 3-1 win over Luton Town last Sunday, and they have a chance to move into the top four this weekend.
Only Newcastle United and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have claimed all three points from Villa, who now go to the City Ground for an all-Midlands showdown.
Nottingham Forest are 16th in the Premier League rankings, with two victories from ten matches, and Paul Merson expects them to lose again.
The Sky Sports analyst believes Villa will win 3-1 and praised Unai Emery for the job he has done and how he has ‘changed’ the club, according to Sportskeeda.
Aston Villa have been absolutely brilliant this season, no doubt about it,” Merson added.
“They are playing free-flowing football, and all of their players are willing to run without the ball, which is a clear indication that they have bought into Unai Emery’s philosophy.”
“Emery was extremely unlucky at Arsenal and quickly fell behind the eight ball, but he’s come into this Villa team and transformed them in a year.” Villa have a busy schedule ahead of them, so I expect them to be in the top four for a long.”
Whatever happens on Sunday, Villa will remain in fifth position because the distance between them and sixth-placed Newcastle United is five points.
Eddie Howe’s team will face Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday evening, and it will not be an easy game for them.
But, with Fulham visiting Villa Park next weekend, the squad has a real chance to secure a spot near or within the top four.
There is no doubt that we are vying for a place in the Champions League, and with players like Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey set to return from injury soon, things can only get better.
