Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Premier League preview, team news and prediction

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Nottingham Forest welcome Aston Villa to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon in search of a victory that could lift them out of the relegation zone. Forest start the weekend 16th in the Premier League, while Villa arrive in fourth, holding a six-point cushion in the race for Champions League qualification.

After Thursday’s 1-1 draw in Porto, Vitor Pereira strongly suggested his focus is firmly on league survival rather than the Europa League. Even so, Forest take confidence from a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, highlighted by a potentially crucial 3-0 win at Tottenham before the international break.

Forest may feel the pause came at an awkward time given their improving momentum, but they return refreshed for the run-in. Their home league form, however, has been poor: just three wins from 15 at the City Ground, no home Premier League victory since beating Spurs on 14 December, and only 13 goals scored at home — the worst record in the division. There is at least a measure of resilience, with four of their last five home league games ending in draws, the only loss a late 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Villa travel across the Midlands having lost their last two away league games, against Wolves and Manchester United. In Europe, though, Unai Emery’s side have impressed, winning away at both Lille and Bologna, the latter secured by a 3-1 scoreline on Thursday night.

Emery’s track record in the competition means Villa are likely to keep pushing on the continental front, helped by the breathing room created by their six-point gap to sixth place. Still, the City Ground has not been a happy hunting ground: since Forest returned to the Premier League, Villa have failed to win there in three visits, losing the last two.

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Nottingham Forest welcome back Elliot Anderson after he missed the draw in Porto through suspension. Chris Wood returned from a knee issue in midweek, but Igor Jesus is expected to start up front. With Vitor Pereira managing minutes on Thursday, Forest are likely to name the same XI that began the 3-0 win at Tottenham. Despite an encouraging display at Estadio do Dragao, Stefan Ortega is set to make way in goal for Matz Sels.

For Aston Villa, Unai Emery may consider resting Youri Tielemans after his recent return, with Ross Barkley — not registered for the Europa League — an option to come in. Douglas Luiz is another alternative, while Ian Maatsen, Tyrone Mings, Lamare Bogarde and Leon Bailey could be used if Emery rotates in defence or midfield.

Ollie Watkins, fresh from scoring twice against Bologna, is in contention to keep his place ahead of Tammy Abraham, while Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho remain out injured.

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