Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 12, 2026
English Premier League
In the 4th round of the English Premier League on September 12, 2026, Aston Villa will face Nottingham Forest. The visitors will not be giving away points so easily.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest team news and expert analysis
The Birmingham club had an undoubtedly successful campaign last season. They won the Europa League and also climbed to fourth place in the Premier League. However, they made significant changes to their squad over the summer, allowing key players such as Rogers, Watkins, Konsa and Martinez to leave. They began the new campaign with defeats — 1-2 against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup and 0-4 against Brighton in the opening round of the Premier League. Things went better against Arsenal, but after conceding, they failed to respond. It was only against Hull that they managed to pick up at least a draw, and even then it ended 0-0. In the Champions League, they finally secured a victory against Club Brugge, winning 3-2.
The Nottingham side played in the Europa League last season, only ending their campaign in May after losing to their current opponents. On the domestic front, however, they dropped to sixteenth place with 44 points while constantly changing managers. Over the summer, Glasner was entrusted with the managerial role, but he began with defeats against Leeds in both the League Cup and the Premier League. They then managed to draw with Liverpool, surrendering a two-goal lead during the final half-hour. Against Tottenham, by contrast, they failed to score at all.
The European trophy winners are currently struggling to score goals domestically, while conceding 1.67 per game. Gibbs-White and company are averaging 0.67 goals per match while conceding one.
Head to Head matches: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Emery's side have won three of their last five encounters, suffering just one defeat.
The home side are rightly considered favourites. We are backing them with a 0 handicap (odds – 1.60).
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: key statistics and trends
- Aston Villa have won for the first time in five matches
- Aston Villa's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 1.67 goals per game
- Nottingham Forest are yet to win this season
- 33% of Nottingham Forest's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 1.67 goals per game
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Possible starting lineups
Aston Villa play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Suzuki - Maatsen, Torres, Lindelof, Cash - Barkley, Kamara - Hemmings, Buendia, McGinn - Jackson
Nottingham Forest United play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Leali - Murillo, Milenkovic, Cunha - Williams, McAtee, Schlager, Aina - Gibbs-White, Ndoye - Igor Jesus
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the English Premier League standings
