Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Prediction - Premier League
Aston Villa have a chance to consolidate their position in the top 3 when they host struggling Nottingham Forest at Villa Park at 7:30 PM on January 3, 2026.
The match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in the latest round of the Premier League is a clash between two completely opposite extremes in the standings. While the home team is flying high in the Champions League qualification spots, the visitors are struggling at the bottom of the table with the threat of relegation looming.
Context and ranking position
Aston Villa currently sit third with 39 points after 19 rounds, creating a safe distance from the chasing pack. In contrast, Nottingham Forest are 17th with 18 points, only above the relegation zone thanks to goal difference or a narrow points gap. Villa Park will be a major advantage for the home team in their efforts to maintain their title race.
| Team | Location | Point | form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 3 | 39 | 4 wins, 1 loss |
| Nottingham Forest | 17 | 18 | Win 1, lose 4 |
Analyzing team form and strength
Aston Villa: Strength at the hallowed ground of Villa Park
The home team boasts an incredibly impressive home record with 7 wins and only 1 loss since the start of the season. Aston Villa's scoring efficiency averages 1.6 goals per game, while their defense is quite disciplined, conceding only 1.2 goals per game. Although they recently suffered a defeat in their last 5 matches, their morale remains very high after 4 consecutive wins prior to that.
Nottingham Forest: Concerns in the defense
In contrast to their opponents, Nottingham Forest are going through a bad period, having lost 4 of their last 5 matches. Their biggest problem lies in their defense, having conceded 30 goals in 19 games (an average of 1.6 goals per game). On the road, Forest are also not a reliable team, having suffered 5 defeats. Their limited attacking ability (0.9 goals per game) makes it difficult for them to spring a surprise against a well-organized defense like Aston Villa's.
History of confrontations and current team situation.
In their last five encounters, Aston Villa have the upper hand with three wins, zero draws, and two losses. Notably, the most recent match at Villa Park in April 2025 ended with a 2-1 victory for the home team.
In terms of personnel, both teams are facing serious losses:
- Aston Villa:Tyrone Mings (hamstring injury), Pau Torres (calf injury), Ross Barkley (knee injury), and Evan Guessand (international duty) are unavailable. Amadou Onana's participation is uncertain.
- Nottingham Forest:Chelsea are without key strikers Chris Wood (knee injury) and Ryan Yates (hamstring injury). Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare are also absent due to international duty. Dan Ndoye's fitness is questionable.
Tactical analysis and predictions
Based on statistical data, Aston Villa are considered the clear favorites with a 45% chance of winning. However, a draw is also calculated at 45% if the away team plays defensively to try and earn points. Nottingham Forest have only a 10% chance of securing all three points at Villa Park.
With key central defenders like Mings and Torres absent, Aston Villa may struggle to keep a clean sheet, but their attacking strength is enough to compensate and secure at least a point. Expert advice leans towards Aston Villa winning or drawing this match.
Team lineup updated at 18:53 on 03/01/2026
Official lineup
Aston Villa
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachUnai Emery
Starting lineup:
- 23. Emiliano Martínez (G)
- 2. Matty Cash (D)
- 4. Ezri Konsa (D)
- 3. Victor Lindelöf (D)
- 22. Ian Maatsen (D)
- 44. Boubacar Kamara (M)
- 8. Youri Tielemans (M)
- 7. John McGinn (M)
- 27. Morgan Rogers (M)
- 10. Emiliano Buendía (M)
- 11. Ollie Watkins (F)
Substitutes:
- 40. Marco Bizot
- 12. Lucas Digne
- 16. Andrés García
- 26. Lamare Bogarde
- 71. TJ Carroll
- 19. Jadon Sancho
- 20. Jamaldeen Jimoh
- 53. George Hemmings
- 17. Donyell Malen
Nottingham Forest
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachSean Dyche
Starting lineup:
- 13. John Victor (G)
- 34. Ola Aina (D)
- 31. Nikola Milenković (D)
- 5. Murillo (D)
- 3. Neco Williams (D)
- 8. Elliot Anderson (M)
- 16. Nicolás Domínguez (M)
- 29. Dilane Bakwa (M)
- 10. Morgan Gibbs-White (M)
- 21. Omari Hutchinson (M)
- 19. Igor Jesus (F)
Substitutes:
- 26. Matz Sels
- 4. Morato
- 35. Oleksandr Zinchenko
- 37. Nicolò Savona
- 44. Zach Abbott
- 12. Douglas Luiz
- 24. James McAtee
- 9. Taiwo Awoniyi
- 15. Arnaud Kalimuendo
