Premier League: Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest Picks — Tricky Trees to Maintain Momentum in Midlands Derby? (Apr 5)

All eyes will be on the race for Champions League qualification in the late kick off in the Premier League on April 5, 2025.

Aston Villa will have the home field advantage this weekend, as they bid to close the gap on the top four. However, Unai Emery is likely to have one eye on the team’s upcoming Champions League showdown with PSG.

Nottingham Forest have recorded wins in each of their last three EPL matches, and they currently boast a nine-point advantage in the race to secure a top-four finish.

Odds

Villa Unbeaten in Eight Home Matches Against Forest

Villa Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Nottingham Forest in recent history, as they have failed to win on their last eight trips to the West Midlands.

However, they did record a 2-1 success in the reverse fixture this term, meaning that they are chasing a first league double over Villa since 1984-85.

Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest Key Stats

• Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 14 home Premier League matches since a defeat against Arsenal in August.
• Since May 2024, Forest have recorded victories in ten of their last 17 Premier League away matches.

Aston Villa Team News

Emery has a near fully-fit squad available this weekend. Lewis Dobbin and Ross Barkley are the only players missing due to injury.

Possible Lineup

E. Martinez (GK); M. Cash, E. Konsa, P. Torres, L. Digne, B. Kamara, Y. Tielemans, J. McGinn, M. Rogers, M. Asensio, M. Rashford

Nottingham Forest Team News

Ola Aina is doubtful for Forest this weekend after limping off in the team’s 1-0 midweek win over Man United.

Possible Lineup

M. Sels (GK); N. Williams, N. Milenkovic, Murillo, R. Yates, E. Anderson, Danilo, A. Elanga, M. Gibbs-White, C. Hudson-Odoi, T. Awoniyi

Aston Villa vs. Nottingham Forest Picks

Forest are on the brink of making history, as they could be just weeks away from securing their spot in next season’s Champions League.

Their away record is strong, but it is also hard to overlook Villa’s long unbeaten sequence in front of their own fans. Therefore, a draw is unlikely to be the worst result in the world for either team.