Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 28 April 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa will look to rediscover their winning touch on Thursday when they face Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

Unai Emery’s side suffered a surprise setback in the Premier League on Saturday, as Ryan Sessegnon’s strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Fulham.

The Villans know six points from their final four matches should be enough to secure a return to the Champions League, but for now their focus shifts firmly to Europe.

Villa remain favourites to lift the trophy in May, though they will need a swift response after their slip-up in west London.

As Thursday’s encounter approaches, Aston Villa News takes a look at how Emery may set up his side.

Emi Buendia set to make way for Jadon Sancho

For large spells of the recent clash with Fulham, Emery’s side failed to hit their usual standards, with Villa looking laboured in possession and lacking any real creative spark.

Heading into Thursday, they know that must be reversed against a Nottingham Forest side transformed under Vitor Pereira.

On Saturday, the versatile John McGinn created five chances, with the Scotsman undoubtedly the standout performer for Villa on the day.

That figure was two more than any Villa player has managed in an away game this season, underlining a creative issue Unai Emery must address.

With that in mind, the Spaniard may turn to Jadon Sancho, 26, who recently returned from a short injury lay-off after beginning to impress in the Midlands before the international break.

That would come at the expense of Emi Buendia, who was unable to make the most of his starting opportunity at Craven Cottage.

Sancho is not a traditional winger who likes to isolate defenders and beat them one-on-one, but he can be vital in the final third with his ability to combine neatly with those around him and bring his creative instincts to the fore.

With a pass success rate of 84.5 per cent, 21 chances created and two assists in 787 minutes of Premier League football, the Englishman could be handed the chance to start out wide on Thursday.

He may also be joined by Ian Maatsen at left-back after Lucas Digne started there in the defeat at Fulham.

As Emery looks to solve Villa’s creative problem, the pair could combine effectively at the City Ground and help the visitors rediscover their form at a crucial stage of the season.

Aston Villa must get back to form away from home

After the defeat to Fulham, some alarming Aston Villa numbers emerged, with Unai Emery’s side having won just one of their last eight away matches.

That record must improve on the short trip across the Midlands to face a Nottingham Forest side in fine form.

Emery has been here before in Europe, but Villa’s recent struggles on the road are a concern as the two clubs battle to seize an advantage in the first leg.

The sides drew at the City Ground following the international break.

On that occasion, Villa lacked the finishing touch in front of goal despite peppering Matz Sels for long periods.

Yet the creative spark deserted them against Fulham, and that is an issue which simply must be solved before a huge semi-final first leg.