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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Team News & Prediction

by Trystan Pugh · January 2 2026, 19:06
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Team News & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Aston Villa suffered a bump in the road against Arsenal but they will be expecting to bounce back against out-of-form Nottingham Forest.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Fubo

Aston Villa team news

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Tielemans, Kamara; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Unavailable: Barkley (Injured), Guessand (International duty)

Questionable: Mings (Injured), Torres (Injured), Onana (Injured)

Nottingham Forest team news

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Victor; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

Unavailable: Boly (International duty), Sangare (International duty), Wood (Injured)

Questionable: Aina (Fitness), Yates (Injured), Ndoye (Injured)

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction

Aston Villa's winning run in all competitions was ended at 11 by Arsenal last time out, in a crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Premier League.

Ollie Watkins' 94th-minute goal was little more than a consolation for Unai Emery's side, who had already conceded four goals in the second half to the league leaders.

They will look to bounce back against a Nottingham Forest side who have endured a touch Christmas period, with Sean Dyche's men currently riding a three-game losing streak.

The east midlands side most recently lost 0-2 at home to Everton, and they currently sit just four points above the relegation zone.

The heavy defeat to Arsenal will have stung Villa but they have generally been in fine form for some time now, and you have to think they will bounce back against out-of-form Forest.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest tip: Aston Villa to win

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