Paul Merson has predicted Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion to share the points in their upcoming clash on Saturday.
The Sky Sports pundit shared that he thought it would be a 2-2 draw between the two Championship sides, as he was expecting goals due to the Villans’ leaking them for fun and because of WBA’s firepower.
Merson added that he thought it was a big game for both sides but shared that draw from Aston Villa’s perspective wouldn’t be enough as it’s a game they should really be looking to win.
“It is a big game and I have gone for 2-2, I’ve gone for a lot of goals as Villa leak them for fun and West Brom score goals,” said Merson on Sky Sports’ Football Centre (Sky Sports News, February 15th, 11:37am).
“Villa were poor the other night, Brentford gave them a proper run around the other night and I don’t think the draw is good enough really.
“Villa have to win their home games but they’re coming up against a good West Brom team.”
OPINION
Well if you’re an Aston Villa fan you will be unhappy with Merson’s prediction and if you’re West Brom supporter, you won’t be that thrilled either. A 2-2 draw wouldn’t really suit either side with both trying to ensure they win promotion from the Championship this season. In the case of the Villans if they end up dropping points once again from a home clash on Saturday, you wouldn’t bank on them to make the play-offs this season. Dean Smith’s side currently sit tenth in the table and already have some major catching up to do as they’re already seven points behind sixth-placed Middlesbrough. Whereas you would back West Brom to at least make the play-off despite their rollercoaster form as they currently sit fourth. However with their form being inconsistent, and the Championship being so unpredictable, they know that the clash with Villa is one they need to get as many points from as possible.