‘A strong sign’: Aston Villa’s clash with Nottingham Forest cements their place in the top four.

Paul Merson has raved about ‘absolutely outstanding’ Aston Villa ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League.

Unai Emery’s side, who beat Luton Town 3-1 last time out, are sitting fifth in the Premier League table and they have a chance of entering the top four this weekend.

Only Newcastle United, on the opening day, and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have taken maximum points off Villa, who now make the short trip to the City Ground for an all-Midlands clash.

Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest are sitting 16th in the Premier League table, with two wins from their ten matches, as Paul Merson is backing them to lose again.

The Sky Sports pundit thinks Villa will secure a 3-1 win, as he lauded Unai Emery for the job he has done and how he has ‘transformed’ the club, as he told Sportskeeda.

Transformed is the right word because his reign so far has been nothing short of outstanding, with Merson adding that he expects Villa to ‘be close to the top four for a while’.

Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa

“Aston Villa have been absolutely outstanding this season, no two ways about it,” said Merson.

“They are playing free-flowing football and all their players are prepared to run without the ball, which is a clear sign they have bought into Unai Emery’s philosophy