Paul Merson predicts Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle
Newcastle United head to The City Ground on Sunday to take on a resurgent Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Kick-off is at 2pm, live on Sky Sports.
Nottingham Forest have hit form at the right time of the season and look almost certain to beat the drop, while they also had the small matter of a Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa last night
The Tricky Trees took a 1-0 lead into the second leg at Villa Park, but the hosts put four past Forest to book their place in the final.
The nature of the defeat could play into Newcastle’s hands with Forest likely to be extremely dejected after such a battering
Paul Merson expects tight game at City Ground
Paul Merson expects the result of Thursday's game to play a part in what happens on Sunday, although the former Arsenal man told Sportskeeda that he expects Forest to get something from the game and potentially seal safety.
Merson did, however, back Forest to get through to the final, suggesting they'd head into Sunday on a high. Instead, they come into the match after a 4-0 battering, sending them back to the City Ground on a downer.
"It was a big win for Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Monday. They rested a lot of players and still did great. I like how they played two strikers at the top and that destroyed Chelsea. I don't think the Chelsea defenders could handle two of them!
"Now this game against Newcastle, it all depends on what happens in Forest's Europa League semi-final second leg against Aston Villa later tonight (Thursday). The way both teams are playing, I expect Forest to go through to the final.
"Thanks to their recent form in the Premier League, Forest are now six points clear of the relegation zone with a healthy goal difference. A win for Arsenal against West Ham could be a massive boost for their survival hopes. But they face Newcastle before that game, and I believe they can get something out of it.
"It will be an unbelievable season for Nottingham Forest if they can win the Europa League and avoid relegation. It's the same for Aston Villa too. I actually think people stopped taking the Europa League seriously after it's name was changed. When it was the old UEFA Cup, this was a massive trophy to win!
"Backing Forest to get a draw against Newcastle and seal their survival in the top-flight. If they get a point, West Ham will have to win all three of their remaining games and I don't see that happening.
"Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Newcastle United"
Which Newcastle will turn up in Nottingham?
Newcastle face West Ham after Nottingham Forest, so the Magpies have a big part to play in the relegation fight, while technically not being completely safe themselves.
After the win against Brighton, we hope that Newcastle will have a bit more confidence in their game on Sunday and can pile a bit of pressure on Forest for the last couple of games.
We do think a draw seems the most likely outcome, though. While our result against Brighton was good, the performance was not, and away from home, who knows how we'll play? So we think Merson may be onto something here.
