Having prevailed 2-0 when the pair most-recently met at the City Ground on Bonfire Night last year, can Nottingham Forest claim back-to-back home wins over Aston Villa for the first time in 35 years?
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Preview
Will Nottingham Forest's excellent form continue? A week ago, the Garibaldi Reds ended their 30-year wait for a win at Old Trafford, taking the lead inside 90 seconds thanks to Nikola Milenković's free-header, before quick-fire goals soon after half time from Morgan Gibbs-White and then Chris Wood secured a famous 3-2 victory over Man United. Despite losing three of four fixtures beforehand, Nuno Espírito Santo's side are flying high in fifth, beaten only twice in seven outings at the City Ground, with Forest supporters dreaming of seeing their side back in UEFA competition for the first time since 95/96. Thus, will the home side pick up there more points here?
Aston Villa meantime also have 25 points on the board, below their fellow Midlands-based hosts by virtue of goal difference alone. Having failed to win eight on the spin across all competitions, the Claret and Blue Army have rediscovered their joie de vivre, claiming three successive victories in the space of seven days. First, Unai Emery's team beat both Brentford and strugglers Southampton at Villa Park, ending their five-match winless streak in the Premier League.
Then, on Tuesday night, the Villans took a gigantic step towards a top eight finish in the Champions League by defeating RB Leipzig 3-2 in Saxony. John McGinn broke the deadlock inside 150 seconds and then Jhon Durán lashed home an absolute thunderbolt mere moments after his introduction, before fellow-substitute Ross Barkley won it with five minutes to go, his deflected shot sparking wild scenes of celebration from the traveling supporters hidden away in the corner of Red Bull Arena.
Villa have therefore taken their Champions League points tally to 13, meaning victory either in Monaco or at home to Celtic in January would almost certainly be enough to rubber stamp their place in the round of 16. Back in the league, this is a crucial clash between two sides with European aspirations, so will there be a winner on the banks of the River Trent?
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 132.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 39. Draws: 31. Aston Villa Wins: 62.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Given how well his team performed at Old Trafford, it's safe to assume Nuno Espírito Santo will deploy an unchanged side. Jota Silva will certainly hope so, because this'll mean he is starting a fourth successive game out-wide, chosen over Anthony Elanga. At the base of midfield too, Elliot Anderson is set to keep his place alongside Ryan Yates, while James Ward-Prowse and Nicolás Domínguez are the alternatives, with Danilo and Ibrahim Sangaré still sidelined long-term. Lastly, at left-back Neco Williams will start, given that Álex Moreno is ineligible to face his parent club; Yates, Williams and Domínguez are all one caution away from a suspension.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Yates, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Jota Silva, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
Nottingham Forest Players to Watch vs Aston Villa
Chris Wood's header to down Manchester United means he is now Forest's record goalscorer in the Premier League, surpassing Bryan Roy's tally of 25, while the New Zealander has previously netted four in eight against Aston Villa.
Aston Villa Team News
With Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey sidelined, Matty Cash was deployed in a more advanced position against RB Leipzig, so will Unai Emery stick with this or bring the more natural winger that is Jaden Philogene back into the team? Elsewhere, Amadou Onana has been an unused substitute for the last two matches, most-recently featuring on 9 November at Anfield due to injury, so will the Belgian make a cameo appearances? In attack, given Ollie Watkins' mini-goal draught, could Jhon Durán lead the line from the start, having scored against Southampton and in Saxony already this week? Morgan Rogers will miss next Saturday's clash with Man City if cautioned.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-2-2-2): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Philogene; Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest
We've already mentioned him, but Jhon Durán appears to have rediscovered his super-sub midas touch in the last seven days, meaning the Colombian is likely to be Villa's primary goal threat, even if he doesn't start.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Prediction
We are backing Nottingham Forest to make home advantage count. Villa exerted a lot of energy in Germany on Tuesday, looking leggy due to their current lack of squad depth, so having had a full week of preparation, we can't see beyond a Forest victory: Nottingham Forest 2-0 Aston Villa.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Premier League game on TV channel?
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Premier League game on live streaming?
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGO & NOW TV.
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa in the Premier League?
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa takes place on Saturday 14 December 2024, with kick off at 17:30 (GMT), 12:30 (EDT) & 9:30 (PST).