Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Wed 6 May 2026 12:10, UK

Aston Villa are preparing to face Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday.

The Villans prepare to welcome Vitor Pereira’s side to Villa Park, knowing that they have to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

Chris Wood’s penalty made the difference in the first leg and handed the Reds a perfect advantage ahead of their trip across the Midlands.

That was followed by a shocking 2-1 defeat against Tottenham, which drew true rage and anger from the Holte End and for good reason.

Villa need to put in a much better performance against Forest if they have any hope of reaching the final, leaving Unai Emery with big decisions to make.

Unai Emery to make major changes vs Nottingham Forest

There wasn’t anything positive to say about the claret and blue outfit in their last outing against a relegation-threatened Spurs side.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side dominated and made light work of the Villans, despite 12 places separating the sides at kick-off.

There is going to be a raft of changes for the Forest clash at Villa Park, although Emi Martinez is almost certainly going to start.

After making three saves against Tottenham, he can have some pride and may be joined by Matty Cash as the only defensive option to keep his place.

That could see Ian Maatsen, Victor Lindelof and Tyrone Mings drop out, especially with the latter frustrating the Villans despite completing 71 passes last time out.

Lucas Digne, Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa could come in and feature just as they did in the 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.

Youri Tielemans may also keep his place, but after Lamare Bogarde’s stinking showings for Villa recently, he should drop out and may be replaced by Douglas Luiz.

John McGinn could return for Aston Villa

John McGinn missed out against Spurs due to a tight hamstring, but could be set to return to the starting XI against Forest.

He could come in for Ross Barkley, who is ineligible, and be joined by Morgan Rogers, who is likely to start, even after a tough day last time out, where he lost 10 duels in 90 minutes.

Jadon Sancho may also be on his way out of the squad after maintaining a zero per cent cross accuracy against Tottenham.

Emi Buendia may come in with Ollie Watkins, with Tammy Abraham likely to drop to the bench after an underwhelming showing at Villa Park.

Going back to a version of the best possible XI in B6 has to be enough to turn around a 1-0 lead, otherwise Villa risk missing out on a final three years on the trot.