This match is an example of how the mighty can fall as two former European Cup winners go head-to-head in this second tier match. This will be the first time two former European champions will meet outside the top division in any country.
A return to the glory days is the aim for the two ambitious chairmen of these sleeping giants. First they must make their way out of arguably the toughest league in the world.
Despite spending more money this summer than Real Madrid, Villa have had a relatively poor start to the season and currently sit 16th. In the match before the international break, they were 1-0 up at Bristol City before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat. It seems that Roberto Di Matteo’s side are still attempting to find their feet in this division, however, having signed many players with Championship experience during the summer, they should be able to adjust sooner rather than later and so we can expect better results from the Lions.
Forest on the other hand have made a pretty good start to the season and are 8th in the league. The Reds have so far failed to sustain a consistent push for the playoffs over the last few seasons, but perhaps this is the year they finally sneak into the top six.
Goals have not been a problem for Philippe Montanier’s side and they are currently the third highest scorers in the division with 11. However, the defence has been a bit of a nightmare conceding the second most goals in the league with 11. Additionally, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any competitive game this season.
With both teams having a significant amount of firepower whilst also being a bit suspect at the back, ‘Both Teams To Score’ is the obvious bet to go for here at 10/11.
A similar bet to go for on this occasion is ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ total at 21/20. Again, the reasons for this are outlined above.
I find it incredibly difficult to call a winner on this game. On form you would say Forest, plus the fact they will want to take a scalp at Villa Park. However, Villa at home with some exciting new signings are a dangerous prospect. Therefore I feel it is too risky to back either and would go for the more ‘general’ bets here.
See more tips here.