Sky Sports pundit predicts Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest, names two key men
By Will Butcher
David Prutton believes Aston Villa’s winless run of six games will continue against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
But he has backed new midfield signings Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane to make a big impact at Villa Park in the second half of the season.
Steve Bruce’s new-look side travel to the City Ground in a poor run of form that has left their bid to reach the Championship playoffs hanging by a thread, as they sit in 14th place in the table.
Sky Sports pundit Prutton has predicted a 2-2 draw between the two sides, mirroring the reverse fixture last season in which Villa’s new signing Henri Lansbury scored for Forest.
“I don’t think Villa will go there and turn them over,” Prutton said, as quoted by the Sky Sports website. “They were turned over by Brentford in midweek and look to be in a bit of state of flux.
“But with Henri Lansbury and Conor Hourihane they have the makings of some really good midfield permutations.”
Wearing the captain’s armband, Lansbury struck late on for Forest in September’s 2-2 draw but will now be hoping to score in claret and blue after moving to Villa Park in January.
Now 10 points adrift of the Championship’s top six, Bruce will be hoping his new signings can produce against managerless Forest.
Bringing eight new players to Villa Park in January including the likes of Lansbury, Hourihane, left-back Neil Taylor and Championship goal machine Scott Hogan, Bruce has cause to be optimistic.
But the Midlands giants must start winning games before it is too late if they want to uphold Bruce’s reputation as a promotion expert.
The former Wigan boss has gained a place in the Premier League four times in his career from the Championship, and a win against Forest on Saturday could be the start in making that five.
In other Aston Villa news, if this January signing fails to produce then it would not come as a surprise.
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