Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Preview

• Draw or Villa win
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Two of the Premier League’s most in-form sides go head-to-head this weekend as Aston Villa welcome Nottingham Forest to Villa Park in what promises to be a high-quality and potentially explosive clash between two teams on remarkable winning runs.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are riding the wave of success, with six straight wins across all competitions placing them in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, the FA Cup semi-finals, and right in the mix for European qualification through the league.

Forest, however, are not far behind, unbeaten in five and also on course for a FA Cup semi-final appearance of their own after knocking out Brighton on penalties last weekend.

Aston Villa: Unstoppable Form Continues

Villa’s 3-0 demolition of Brighton in midweek was their third consecutive win by that scoreline, and it also marked their fourth straight clean sheet.

This kind of form, both defensively and offensively, has become a hallmark of Emery’s reign this season, and their strong position in multiple competitions reflects that.

At Villa Park, they are particularly formidable. The Villans are unbeaten in their last 16 home matches in all competitions (W10, D6), and that home comfort, combined with momentum and squad depth, makes them a formidable force.

They’ll also be confident against Forest, having gone eight home H2Hs without defeat (W5, D3).

Nottingham Forest: Rising Force Under Nuno

Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed Forest since taking over, guiding them to a five-match winning streak across all competitions, including a 1-0 midweek league win over Manchester United that confirmed their grip on third place in the table.

They’ve become harder to beat, more organised in defence, and ruthless in transition.

Despite Villa’s home strength, Forest have shown they’re more than capable on the road, with 12 wins in their last 19 away matches (D2, L5).

That record will give them belief, even if Nuno’s own personal record at Villa Park is less encouraging: three defeats in five visits (W1, D1).

A win here would not only make a huge statement, but also seal Forest’s first league double over Villa since the 1984/85 season, following their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture back in December.

Head-to-Head & Key Stats

• Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 16 home games in all competitions (W10, D6)
• Villa have kept four consecutive clean sheets
• Nottingham Forest have won five matches in a row, including a cup win on penalties
• Villa are unbeaten in their last eight home H2Hs vs Forest (W5, D3)
• Forest have won 12 of their last 19 away games (D2, L5)
• Forest last did a league double over Villa in 1984/85

Players to Watch

Marco Asensio (Aston Villa)

Asensio is enjoying an incredible goalscoring run, with eight goals in his last seven games, all coming after half-time. He’s hit braces in each of his last three appearances at Villa Park, making him Villa’s most potent threat going forward right now.

Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest)

Elanga scored a last-gasp winner in the reverse fixture, and he’s proven to be a decisive late-game player, with four of his five goals this season being the final goals of the match. His pace and ability to exploit space in the second half could be crucial.

Prediction: Villa’s Home Strength to Be Tested

This promises to be one of the matches of the weekend. Both teams are in excellent form, and both have plenty to play for.

Villa’s unbeaten home record and solid defensive structure make them favourites on paper, but Forest’s confidence and away resilience cannot be underestimated.

Expect a tightly contested, high-quality match, but Villa’s home form and cutting edge may just give them the edge — especially if Asensio maintains his current level.

Predicted Score: Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Villa edge a closely fought contest, extending their winning streak and maintaining momentum on all fronts, while Forest put up a strong fight but fall just short.

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Aston Villa v Nott’m Forest, 2024/25 | Premier League