Paul Merson shares where Sunderland can take inspiration from ahead of game vs Nottingham Forest
Sunderland have earned plenty of plaudits following their excellent start to life back in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have lost just one of their first five games and sit seventh in the league table.
Sunderland earned 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last time out, which saw Reinildo sent off less than 20 minutes into the game, but Regis Le Bris’ side were valiant in their battle to salvage a point.
Sunderland could notch their points tally into double figures with a win on Saturday at Nottingham Forest, which is something of a rare feat amongst newly promoted clubs.
Paul Merson thinks Sunderland have a blueprint for victory ahead of Forest test
Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson stated how impressed he has been with The Mackems and Le Bris, and how they can go to the City Ground with confidence.
Merson pointed to how West Ham soaked up pressure then scored three late goals in a 3-0 win earlier this season at the City Ground.
He said: “Sunderland have been outstanding this season.
“They followed up that impressive draw away from home to Crystal Palace with another point against Aston Villa despite going down to 10 men.
“It’s incredible that Villa scored first in that game and newly-promoted Sunderland found the equaliser in the 75th minute with a numerical disadvantage.
“The last time Forest played at the City Ground, West Ham sat back and rode their luck before scoring three late goals to win 3-0. Sunderland will take inspiration from that game.”
The ex-Arsenal midfielder did, however, predict Forest will just edge out their opponents and claim a 1-0 victory, but acknowledged Sunderland can ‘shock anyone on their day.’
The Black Cats can uproot the Forest defence
Nottingham Forest made their return to European Football with a 2-2 draw against Real Betis.
While the first half was an encouraging one, they retreated in the second period and conceded a late equaliser to former Manchester United winger, Antony.
Forest are still waiting for their first clean sheet of the season, which is surprising considering how water-tight their back line was in 2024-25.
| Sunderland | 0.83 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2 |
Sunderland’s defensive record this season has been far superior compared to Forest’s, with star man Nordi Mukiele receiving praise for his performances.
Granted the Midlands outfit have played more games, their defence was rock solid last season as they recorded 13 clean sheets in the league – tieing with Arsenal.
Regis Le Bris has coached his team to be ruthless in attack and rigid in defence, which is the exact approach they will need should they want to return to Wearside with three points.
Wilson Isidor’s equaliser in their draw against Aston Villa characterised this, and while they may not hold the bulk of possession against Forest, they will carry a large threat on the counter.
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