Premier League pundit Mark Lawrenson agrees with Paul Merson and Chris Sutton in his prediction for Nottingham Forest’s Premier League clash vs Brentford.
The Reds return to league action In this afternoon’s 3pm kick off, when they welcome Thomas Frank’s side to the City Ground. Forest will be looking to use the game to bounce back from last week’s disappointing 5-0 loss against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
That loss came just a week after Steve Cooper ’s side recorded a memorable 1-0 win over Liverpool at the City Ground. Taiwo Awoniyi’s 55th minute goal proved to be the difference between the teams.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest signing set for 'much bigger' January wage cut
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest 'consider' Jesse Lingard decision as surprise transfer link emerges
Forest return home this week and will be hoping to use the home supporters to their advantage. While the most recent home game was a memorable one for the Reds, Brentford’s last away trip was one to forget as they fell to a 4-0 loss against then managerless Aston Villa.
Last week saw the Bees record a 1-1 draw with Wolves at the Gtech Community Stadium. Frank’s team are yet to pick up a win on the road this season, having picked up a total of just three points on their travels.
Forest go into the game against Brentford knowing that a win would lift them above Leicester City in the table ahead of their 5.30pm kick off against Everton at Goodison Park. Ahead of the match, Lawrenson has made his prediction but has picked out a problem for Forest over the last couple of weeks.
“Nottingham Forest got pumped 5-0 at Arsenal and Brentford drew with Wolves last time out,” he told PaddyPower . “I think this might be a draw.
“Forest had had their first win for a while but when you back it up with a 5-0 loss it’s not good.”
Mark Lawrenson's prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford
It’s a point fellow pundit Paul Merson agrees with.
"Nottingham Forest were great against Liverpool," he told Sportskeeda . “But they were given a reality check by Arsenal.
"That's going to be their season - I don't think they're going to start winning four matches on the trot. They've got to take the rough with the smooth. If their players can cope with that, they might be all right.
"Nottingham Forest have every chance to win this game. There were no expectations against Liverpool, and this match will be different. I think this game will end in a draw, and that doesn't really help either team."
Paul Merson’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford
Another former Premier League player in Chris Sutton has made it three out of three for the same prediction.
"Off the back of Forest beating Liverpool in their last game at the City Ground, I would have gone for another home win here, but after what happened against the Gunners, I am not so sure,” he told the BBC .
"Brentford have not won away in the Premier League all season, so that hardly makes me think they are going to take home three points either - it is a massive cop-out, but I am going for a draw."
Chris Sutton’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford
What are your predictions for the clash vs Brentford? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
- Nottingham Forest sent clear Jesse Lingard message as transfer regrets revealed
Brentford injury boost ahead of Nottingham Forest as Thomas Frank delivers Steve Cooper verdict
Nottingham Forest contract length confirmed as January transfer comments made
Nottingham Forest striker's transfer hope revealed amid uncertainty over future
