Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Picks - Europa League
Europe - Europa League
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by Carlos Zabala | in Europa League Picks
The second leg of the Europa League semi-final between Premier League teams will take place at Villa Park as Aston Villa attempts to overturn the deficit against Nottingham Forest. Both clubs are looking to secure their place in the Istanbul final and relive the glory days of the 1980s, when both Villa and Forest were crowned European champions.
A penalty converted by New Zealander Wood in the 71st minute gives Nottingham Forest a narrow advantage in the tie on Thursday. Despite Aston Villa's inconsistent form, they are still considered favorites with odds around 1.80 to defeat their English league rivals.
Aston Villa is confident of victory on Thursday, having won their last four home matches against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, including a 3-1 victory on January 3rd in Matchday 20 of the Premier League, with a goal from Watkins and a brace from McGinn.
Unai Emery is arguably the most successful manager in Europa League history; having previously managed Sevilla and Villarreal, he lifted the trophy four times. He now aims to repeat that feat with Aston Villa. Incredibly, Emery has won 22 consecutive Europa League knockout ties, and he's no stranger to the challenge of overturning a deficit.
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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Form
Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest Latest Matches
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
May 3, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 30, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 25, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 19, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 16, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 12, 2026 - Premier League
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
May 3, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 19, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 16, 2026 - Europa League
Mar 22, 2026 - Premier League
Mar 19, 2026 - Europa League
Mar 4, 2026 - Premier League
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Apr 30, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 25, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 12, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 9, 2026 - Europa League
Mar 27, 2026 - Clubs Friendlies
Mar 15, 2026 - Premier League
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
May 4, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 30, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 24, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 19, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 16, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 12, 2026 - Premier League
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Apr 30, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 19, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 16, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 12, 2026 - Premier League
Mar 15, 2026 - Premier League
Mar 12, 2026 - Europa League
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
May 4, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 24, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 9, 2026 - Europa League
Mar 22, 2026 - Premier League
Mar 19, 2026 - Europa League
Mar 4, 2026 - Premier League
Aston Villa against Nottingham Forest : Head to Head (H2H)
50 %
17 %
33 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Apr 30, 2026 - Europa League
Apr 12, 2026 - Premier League
Jan 3, 2026 - Premier League
Apr 5, 2025 - Premier League
Dec 14, 2024 - Premier League
Feb 24, 2024 - Premier League
Aston Villa against Nottingham Forest Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 3 - 5 - 2
Formation : 4 - 4 - 1 - 1
Substitutes
J. Wright
M. Bizot
DefenderI. Maatsen
T. Mings
L. Bogarde
Douglas Luiz
H. Elliott
A. Garcia
ForwardJ. Sancho
L. Bailey
T. Abraham
K. Willows
M. Sels
DefenderJ. Hanks
MidfielderMurillo
R. Yates
I. Sangare
M. Gibbs-White
A. Whitehall
J. Sinclair
D. Bakwa
D. Ndoye
L. Lucca
Missing players
B. Kamara
A. Onana
ForwardAlysson
John Victor
DefenderW. Boly
O. Aina
N. Savona
Z. Abbott
ForwardC. Hudson Odoi
Most goals and assists
Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest
J. McGinn
(5 Goals)
, 
O. Watkins
(5 Goals)
Igor Jesus
(7 Goals)
M. Rogers
(5 Assists)
, 
E. Buendia
(5 Assists)
M. Gibbs-White
(3 Assists)
Aston Villa - Nottingham Forest Key Points
- In their previous five Europa League home matches, Aston Villa scored over 1.5 goals
- In the first leg, Aston Villa had 10 shots, 4 of which were on target
- Aston Villa's last four matches have all ended with a one-goal winner.
- In 5 of the last 6 Aston Villa-Nottingham Forest matches, both teams have scored
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Our Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
The first leg was an even match, with Aston Villa and Nottingham sharing possession at roughly 50%. When the game moves to Villa Park on Thursday, it seems Emery's side, rested unlike the Tricky Trees, has a good chance of forcing extra time or winning outright in regulation time.
While Forest's recent run is commendable, we shouldn't overlook their long list of injured players, including key figures like Hudson-Odoi and John Victor.
Our prediction for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest is: Aston Villa to win.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
