Nottingham Forest
Threatened with a point deduction
Paul Merson believes both Nottingham Forest and Brentford are in a relegation scrap in the Premier League as the two clubs prepare to do battle.
Forest have won their last two league matches under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo, claiming impressive wins against Newcastle United and Manchester United. Those victories have lifted them up to 15th place in the table ahead of their trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday (5:30pm).
They have also put them one place and one point above Brentford. But they could be hit with a points deduction after being charged by the Premier League with breaking financial rules. And Merson believes the Bees, who have star striker Ivan Toney returning to action, will claim victory.
“This is pretty much a cup final and I think everyone will be watching this football match,” he told Sportskeeda. “The big story for Brentford is the return of Ivan Toney, who is set to make his first appearance of the season after his ban.
“Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the striker and I think both those teams will be watching to see if he’s still got it. I know he’s been training, but there is absolutely nothing like playing matches at the top level, so it remains to be seen if Toney makes a triumphant return for the Bees.
“These two teams are very much involved in the relegation dogfight, so they need to start putting points on the board. I think it’ll be a tight, nervy game like the clash between Burnley and Luton Town last weekend, but I fancy Brentford to get all three points.”
