David Prutton has delivered his prediction for the highly anticipated clash between Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion at the City Ground this weekend.

The two clubs will go head-to-head on the opening day of the season on Saturday evening and will both be hoping to start the new campaign with three points.

Former Forest midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit David Prutton is expecting a close game at the City Ground and has predicted a 2-2 draw.

"Another season, another new manager at Nottingham Forest! The club legend Martin O'Neill didn't last too long back at the City Ground and it will be interesting to see what Sabri Lamouchi brings to the table," Prutton told Sky Sports.

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"West Brom have a lot of goals to replace in their team after Dwight Gayle returned to Newcastle following his loan and Jay Rodriguez moved to Burnley.

"But Slaven Bilic is experienced in England and they should be there or thereabouts again. Score draw for me."

Forest finished ninth in the Championship table last season, eight points outside play-off places and will be hoping to challenge for a top six-finish this season under new head coach Sabri Lamouchi.

Lamouchi repalced Martin O'Neill in charge at the City Ground earlier this summer and has already brought in seven new players, as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for promotion.

West Brom head coach Slaven Bilic has also been busy in the transfer market recently, bringing in five players since taking charge at the Hawthorns in June.

The Baggies finished four in the Championship table last season, despite sacking head coach Darren Moore in March, but would eventually miss out on promotion, losing to Aston Villa on penalties in the play-offs.

The Verdict

I agree with Prutton here. I'm expecting a close game at the City Ground tomorrow but I'm expecting an entertaining game and I think they'll be goals.

It was always going to be difficult for West Brom to replace Dwight Gayle and Ray Rodriguez, but Bilic is a fantastic manager and I've been really impressed with the players he's brought in so far.

If he is able to bring in three or four new signings before the end of the transfer window, then West Brom have a great chance of challenging for promotion this season.

As for Forest, it will be interesting to see how they get on under Lamouchi this season but I've been rather impressed with the signings he's made so far and I wouldn't be surprised to see them challenge for the play-offs this season.