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Club football is back in action with another set of matches this week as Nottingham Forest lock horns with an impressive Villarreal side in a friendly encounter at the City Ground on Friday. The two teams have experienced contrasting fortunes over the past year and will look to win this game.
Nottingham Forest vs Villarreal Preview
Villarreal finished in eighth place in the La Liga standings last season and have not been at their best over the past year. The Yellow Submarines slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of St. Etienne in their previous game and have a point to prove this weekend.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, finished in 17th place in the Premier League table last season and narrowly escaped the relegation zone. The home side suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Elche this week and will need to bounce back in this fixture.
Nottingham Forest vs Villarreal Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Nottingham Forest have never faced Villarreal in a friendly match and will need to adapt to a new opponent this week.
- Villarreal were unbeaten in their last four matches in the 2023-24 La Liga season but were held to draws in their last two league games of the season.
- Nottingham Forest also ended their Premier League campaign on a positive note and won six points in their last three matches of the season - the same margin by which they cleared the relegation zone.
- Villarreal have failed to keep a clean sheet in their two matches during pre-season so far and have conceded four goals in their two games.
Nottingham Forest vs Villarreal Prediction
Villarreal have an impressive squad at their disposal but have largely failed to justify their potential over the past year. The likes of Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sorloth can be lethal on their day and will look to make their mark this week.
Nottingham Forest managed to win their battle to remain in the Premier League last season but will be up against a strong opponent on Friday. Villarreal are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Villarreal
Nottingham Forest vs Villarreal Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Villarreal to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Villarreal to keep a clean sheet - Yes
Tip 4: Alexander Sorloth to score - Yes
