By George Overhill

2nd Feb, 2023 | 5:10pm

Paul Merson predicts Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest result in 'brilliant game'

Paul Merson has predicted the clash between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest on Sunday to end in a draw, but expects a “brilliant game”.

The Whites are looking for their first Premier League win in three months when they travel to the City Ground (5 February) and would go above Steve Cooper’s side on goal-difference if they managed it.

But Merson feels Jesse Marsch’s side struggle to get results despite dominating games and has gone for a 1-1 draw.

In his Sportskeeda predictions column he said: “This should be a brilliant game. If Nottingham Forest win this match, they could be seven points clear of the relegation zone. We’re talking about teams that win about five Premier League games all season, so that’s a huge gap.

“This game is like a cup final. Leeds play well and dominate football matches, but they don’t win Premier League games. They played very well against Villa and Brentford but didn’t get much out of their performances. They need to start converting these games into victories.

“This is a game that neither team can afford to lose, and I wouldn’t be surprised if either team won this game. It’s a hard one to call, and I’m going to sit on the fence and go with a draw.”

Turn it up

The Whites can’t keep shuffling along picking up the odd point here and there, especially now that a lot of money has been spent in the transfer window.

Looking at this squad on paper suggests they should have plenty to start picking up wins against teams in the bottom half of the table at least.

Victories in the previous two rounds of the FA Cup, against lower league opposition both times, has at least reminded players and fans what that is like, but repeating the feat in the top flight is now a must.

Nobody wants to go anywhere near battling against relegation on the final day again, and the latest reinforcements should give Leeds United enough to avoid that.

But Marsch should arguably have got six points from the Aston Villa and Brentford matches but only ended up with one, so making performances count is going to be key.

There is reason to be hopeful for the rest of the campaign after a strong end to the transfer window but it needs to be put into practice on the pitch.

In other Leeds United news, a Whites ace is in line for a significant pay rise after some deadline day drama.