Nottingham Forest FC vs Aston Villa FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest FC vs Aston Villa FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Nottingham Forest, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, have shocked the Premier League with back-to-back victories against Liverpool and Manchester United. These wins, achieved at Anfield and Old Trafford respectively, have catapulted Forest into the upper echelons of the league. The hero of these victories has been Chris Wood, who has become Forest's all-time Premier League top scorer.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, have seen the emergence of Colombian prodigy Jhon Duran. The 20-year-old has impressed with his goal-scoring abilities, netting his ninth goal of the season against Southampton. Duran's performances have given manager Unai Emery a selection dilemma, with the Colombian vying for a starting spot alongside Ollie Watkins.

Both Forest and Villa are now eyeing a potential Champions League spot, with crucial matches on the horizon. Forest's consistency will be key to maintaining their momentum, while Villa will hope that Duran can continue his impressive form and help them secure a top-four finish.

Head to Head : Both teams have played each other 92 times. Forest has won 29 times. Villa has won 38 times, with 25 draws.

Standings : The Reds are in 5th spot with 25 points. Villa are one spot below them with only goal difference separating the two. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Forest seem to struggle against their fellow midland club. In what will be Forest’s 5000th match in the top 4 tiers of English Football, Nuno and his men will want to make it memorable. They become the 12th club in English Football history to achieve this feat. But making it memorable against Aston Villa is not easy considering the Reds have only won 1 of their last 11 Premier League games against them, drawing five and losing five. 

This time out, Forest have transformed themselves at City Ground, winning 3 of their last 4 home games in the Premier League. The Reds have been as good defensively as well, keeping 3 clean sheets in the last four - as many as they had in their previous 30 at the fortress. The position that Forest find themselves might be slightly alien, considering they haven’t occupied it in a while. The pressure of being in a top spot is high and has reflected in Forest’s previous performances. The Reds have lost 6 Premier League games when they’ve been placed in the top 5 of the league. The Portuguese will need to calm the nerves and bring some maturity to the forefront. 

An England call up is big in nature and Morgan Gibbs-White has the potential to live up to the billing. The Englishman played a stellar role at the Theatre of Dreams last week, both scoring and registering for Forest. 

This is the fifth time he’s achieved that feat. Helping him with attacking threat is Chris Wood, who is one of the 4 Premier League players along with Salah, Haaland and Palmer to register 10+ goals this season. He is also the first Reds player to score 10 Premier League goals before Christmas. These two could prove a handful for Villa’s backline and will continue testing it with wide support from Elanga and Hudson-Odoi. 

Injury - Danilo and Sangare are both ruled out. 

Nottingham Forest Probable 11 - Sels (GK), Milenkovic, Aina, Murillo, Williams (DEF), Anderson, Yates, Silva, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi (MID), Wood (FWD).

Aston Villa FC Preview

Emery’s side are prone to drawing games against Forest. Such has been the story in most of the games. But this time out, one of the two will want to go all in for the win. Villa have not been performing away from home, losing their last three away league games. All three losses have been endured by a margin of 2+ goals. Going forward, the team is lethal. If the manager can make a few tweaks here and there tactically, this team can make life difficult for anyone. 

It is only defensive lapses that have proven costly, just like Wolves, Newcastle, Southampton and Spurs. Despite being pegged back by a midweek European Champions League fixture by RB Leipzig, the midlanders found a way to fight back. They have the verve and vitality to deal with any club on their day. Both the John’s and Ross Barkley fired Villa up the rankings in Europe’s most prestigious tournament. The club will take confidence from this and apply it to their domestic season. 

Jhon Durán the super substitute could pinch a late birthday gift and an early Christman one if he scores on the weekend. The Colombian turns 21 before this game and has already scored 10 Premier League goals for Aston Villa. Not just that, 4 out of 7 of those have been winners. Only Luke Moore (11) and Gabriel Agbhonlahor (13) have scored 10+ goals for Villa before turning 21.

Injury - Ramsey, Bailey and Watkins are all injured. 

Aston Villa Probable 11 - Martinez (GK), Konsa, Digne, Carlos, Torres (DEF), Tielemans, Kamara, Cash Rogers, McGinn (MID), Watkins (FWD).

NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC vs ASTON VILLA FC
Winning Prediction

A crucial clash between 5th and 6th places this week. Both teams will be cautious, but Forest might have the edge after their recent momentum. Villa's midweek European trip could impact their performance. The battle for top four intensifies as both teams aim to secure a Champions League spot.

We predict a Draw (1-1)

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