Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Sat 11 April 2026 14:00, UK

Nottingham Forest welcome Aston Villa to the City Ground on Sunday, as they look to deal a hammer blow in the Villans’ Champions League push.

It was not the prettiest performance in midweek, but Unai Emery’s side secured a superb 3-1 win away at Bologna in the Europa League, bringing a valuable lead back to Villa Park for next week’s quarter-final second leg.

Opponents Forest were also involved in continental action on Thursday, with Vitor Pereira’s side drawing 1-1 against Porto.

In the league, Villa are in desperate need of a Champions League spot, having missed oput last term, while the Garibaldi are looking for a crucial three points as they battle for their Premier League survival.

Sitting in fourth place, Emery’s side are well-placed to secure a spot in Europe’s premier competition, but they must keep up the pace as they make the trip across the Midlands.

Form guide

Nottingham Forest (last six games all comps): DWWDLD

Aston Villa (last six games all comps): WWWLWL

Head-to-head

Villa go into Sunday’s clash looking to do the double in the Premier League for the first time in over 30 years, with the one time this has happened since coming in the 2017-18 Championship season.

Villa striker Ollie Watkins has scored the most of any player in this fixture in the Premier League era, with three league goals against the Garibaldi.

Since Forest’s ascent to the top flight in 2022, Sunday’s visitors have largely had the upper hand, with Villa falling to defeat just twice against the East Midlanders.

Team news and predicted lineups

Heading into the weekend, more of the same is expected of Emery when it comes to his selection.

Striker Watkins was superb against Bologna in Emilia-Romagna on Thursday and has cemented his place in the side for the time being after a period of immense criticism.

In terms of changes, Ian Maatsen may come in for Lucas Digne, after the Frenchman played 90 minutes against Bologna.

Jadon Sancho’s injury means that Emi Buendia could continue out wide, where he performed fantastically in Europe – aided by the movement of Maatsen on the same flank.

For Forest, Jair Cunha is a doubt through a foot injury, while Nicolo Savona and Willy Boly remain sidelined.

Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.

Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.

We say: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Aston Villa

Pereira’s side will present a stern test on Sunday as they fight for their survival.

However, Emery’s side have got back to form in their recent matches, after a dismal run of form throughout February and early March.

Looking to strengthen their Champions League ambitions, the Villans should have enough to go and pick up three points at the City Ground.