Paul Merson and Chris Sutton completely agree on Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest score in ‘huge’ game
Nottingham Forest travel to Crystal Palace on Monday Night in a crucial game in the Premier League.
Following Forest’s 2-0 defeat against Brentford on Thursday at the City Ground, the Reds must bounce back if they are to qualify for the Champions League next season.
However, the Eagles will be on a high after demolishing Aston Villa last time out to reach the FA Cup Final.
Selhurst Park is also a notoriously difficult place to go to, something both Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have factored into their predictions for the contest.
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton predict Nottingham Forest to draw at Crystal Palace
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the game, Sutton said: “Crystal Palace will be on a high after booking their place in the FA Cup final, so this is another very tricky game for Nottingham Forest.
“Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will have to be stubborn and resolute to get anything at Selhurst Park. They have shown that kind of character plenty of times already this season, but they really need it now.”
The former Premier League winner added: “I can see my boyhood team Forest dropping more points here,” ultimately predicting the game to finish 1-1.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson echoed Sutton’s thoughts.
The 57-year-old said: “Crystal Palace will be buoyed by the fact that they are going to play the FA Cup final after beating Aston Villa.
“We all know how dangerous Palace can be while going forward. And trust me, Selhurst Park is an intimidating place to go and play football when their fans are in the mood.
“That makes this one a really tough game for Forest. If they can beat Palace, that would be a huge result. But I think this will be a draw.”
Merson then gave exactly the same prediction as his fellow pundit, opting for a 1-1 draw.
Nottingham Forest’s Premier League record against Crystal Palace
While their recent form is a concern, Nottingham Forest have a strong record against Crystal Palace.
Since returning to the Premier League in 2022, the Reds haven’t lost to the Eagles, winning twice and drawing three times.
This includes two draws against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
In the return fixture at the City Ground in this campaign, Nottingham Forest also ran out 1-0 winners against Oliver Glasner’s side thanks to a Chris Wood strike.
Hopefully, then, Monday night provides a good opportunity for Espirito Santo’s side to bounce back and get their bid to finish in the top five back on track.
