Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 6 May 2026 7:10, UK

Aston Villa will need Morgan Rogers to step up against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League on Thursday.

Unai Emery’s team go into the second leg of the semi-final one goal down and will be looking to turn the tie around at Villa Park on 7 May.

Rogers has struggled for Villa in the last three matches in all competitions, with the B6 club on a three-game losing streak, raising doubts about his place in the 2026 World Cup squad.

While the 23-year-old looks to turn his form around at the Villains, his England teammate Morgan Gibbs-White has attracted plenty of attention, scoring five goals and providing two assists in his last five matches in all competitions.

Rogers will want to get the better of Forest at home and the Englishman may have the added incentive of proving he should indeed be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans over his compatriot in the summer.

Morgan Rogers Aston Villa numbers make for grim reading vs Nottingham Forest

Emery tried to rest some of his key players against Tottenham Hotspur, but Rogers started, and maybe he shouldn’t have after completing just 53 per cent of his passes, recording an xG of 0.03 and losing possession 23 times in 90 minutes, as per Sofascore.

Before the 2-1 loss to Spurs, the England international started at the City Ground but made little impact as the hosts secured a 1-0 victory.

Fulham also beat Villa 1-0 on 25 April, with Rogers failing to complete two of his dribbles, losing possession 21 times and completing just 52 per cent of his passes.

Gibbs-White’s recent form may tip the balance in his favour come the World Cup and the Lions’ playmaker must ensure he has a decent end to the season.

Unai Emery will give Villa Park faithful hope

Emery’s record in the Europa League is impressive, winning the title three times in a row with Sevilla and then adding another one to his cabinet with Villarreal in 2021.

The Spanish manager has faced numerous obstacles since taking charge at Villa, especially when it comes to finances, but that hasn’t stopped him from competing against the top sides.

Vitor Pereira doesn’t have anywhere near the experience Emery has in the competition, and that’s something the Villa Park faithful will hold on to for hope.

If there’s any team that can turn things around against all adversities, it’s the Lions.