𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

Aston Villa ; currently on a six-game winning streak across all competitions, welcome a Nottingham Forest side that’s third in the table and fresh off a 1-0 upset over Manchester United. Both clubs are defying expectations this season, but history weighs heavy: Forest haven’t won at Villa Park in eight visits. Can Nuno Espirito Santo’s men buck the trend, or will Unai Emery’s home fortress hold firm?

𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦: 𝐑𝐞𝐝-𝐇𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬

Aston Villa are on fire. Six wins on the trot—including a 3-0 Champions League dismantling of Club Brugge and a 3-0 FA Cup rout of Preston—have Villa fans dreaming of silverware. Ollie Watkins remains the spearhead, while Marcus Rashford’s resurgence (two goals vs. Preston) adds a new dimension. Sitting 7th with a 60% league win rate, Villa are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home games.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are the surprise package of 2024/25. Third with 57 points after 30 games, they’ve won three straight and are unbeaten in eight at home (W6, D2). Anthony Elanga’s solo stunner against Manchester United last week underlined their counter-attacking venom, while a stingy defense (13 clean sheets) keeps them in every game.

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐳𝐳

Unai Emery didn’t mince words about Forest’s threat: “They are competing fantastic in everything—defensively, offensively, set pieces, throw-ins, and getting duels.” He knows Villa must be at their best, especially with PSG waiting in the Champions League quarters.

Nuno Espirito Santo stayed cool under pressure. On their Champions League odds: “The predictions don’t dictate our decisions.” On injuries after an FA Cup extra-time slog: “We have to assess them all, but we’re recovering well.”

𝐈𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Aston Villa: Ross Barkley’s back in contention after knee and calf troubles, a boost for Emery’s midfield rotation. No fresh concerns, but fatigue from a packed schedule could test their depth.

Nottingham Forest: Chris Wood (hip) is doubtful after missing recent games, a blow to their aerial threat. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina are also question marks, leaving Nuno sweating on his attacking options. Taiwo Awoniyi could step up if Wood’s sidelined.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐬

- Yellow Cards: Villa (2.2 per home game) vs. Forest (2.1 away). Expect 5-6 total with referee Samuel Barrott’s 5.56-card average.

- Shots on Target: Villa average 5.17 at home, Forest 4.2 away. Villa’s 225 home shots (15 per game) dwarf Forest’s road output.

- Fouls: Villa commit 10.5 at home, Forest 11.2 away. 

- Corners: Villa’s 6.7 per home game vs. Forest’s 4.2 away. 

- Goals:Villa’s home games average 2.7, with 79% over 2.5. Both teams to score? An 80% chance.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

- Over 2.5

- 20- 22 fouls 

- Over 10.5 corners

- Goalscorers: Ollie Watkins (40% chance) and Marcus Rashford (30%) for Villa; Anthony Elanga (35%) for Forest. Don’t sleep on Gibbs-White (B30%) for a goal or assist.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭?

The Midlands derby promises to be an exciting and intense match, with both teams looking to make a statement. With Aston Villa’s strong form and Nottingham Forest’s defensive resilience, this match is sure to be a thrilling encounter.