Paul Merson and Chris Sutton agree over 'dodgy' Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have locked in their prediction for Aston Villa's home clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Unai Emery's men continue to battle it out for a top four spot, currently two points ahead of Tottenham having beaten Fulham last time out.

Villa have been a little inconsistent of late, but they now have the chance to put together a couple of wins on the bounce with Forest and Luton to face before a huge six-pointer with Tottenham. The next two are both games that Villa should win on paper, but the Premier League is no that so predictable, and Emery's men will need to put on two strong performances, starting this weekend at home to fellow Midlanders Forest.

"This is a dodgy game for Aston Villa," former Villa man Merson told SportsKeeda. "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."

Merson backed a 2-1 win for Villa, with Sutton tipping a 2-0 win in his BBC predictions, reasoning; "Both of these teams won last weekend, and it feels like Nottingham Forest have picked up a bit even if their results have not always reflected their improvement.

"Villa's brilliant home form has dropped off - they have lost their past three games there in all competitions - but that is only a blip. Ollie Watkins is back in form and they should return to winning ways on Saturday."