Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news

Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Saturday afternoon for their first match of 2026.

The Lions will be looking to reignite their momentum after a nail-biting encounter in North London in midweek. Specifically, Unai Emery’s side saw their sensational 11-match winning streak in all competitions halted by a clinical Arsenal side on Tuesday. Despite that 4-1 hammering, they remain third in the Premier League and firmly in the Champions League hunt.

They face a Nottingham Forest side that ended 2025 on a downward spiral. Sean Dyche’s men have suffered three consecutive defeats, including most recently a disappointing home loss to Everton. Although they are four points clear of the relegation zone, they must therefore find a way to sharpen a blunt attack. Forest have failed to score in ten different league games this season, scoring just eighteen goals in total.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news

• Date: Saturday January 3, 2026
• Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
• Location: Villa Park, Birmingham
• Referee: Simon Hooper
• US: Paul Howard
• Last meeting: Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest, April 5, 2025

Team news

Aston Villa

Unai Emery gets a significant double boost as Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara return to the squad. Both players missed the defeat at Arsenal while serving a one-match suspension. However, midfield remains a concern with Amadou Onana ruled out after picking up a hamstring injury against the Gunners.

Evann Guessand remains unavailable due to the participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast. Additionally, Alysson, who was appointed in January, is also ineligible. Defensive stars Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are nearing a return, but remain sidelined alongside Ross Barkley and Harvey Elliott. Victor Lindelöf will likely continue to deputize in central defense.

Nottingham forest

The visitors are hopeful that Swiss striker Dan Ndoye can feature despite a minor fitness problem. However, the injury list remains long for Sean Dyche. Chris Wood, Ola Aina and Ryan Yates have all been ruled out due to various knee and thigh problems. AFCON commitments also deprive the team of Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangaré. Meanwhile, Nicolò Savona is pushing for a start in defense after the recent loss to Everton.

Form

Aston Villa

Under Unai Emery, Villa Park has become a true fortress. The Lions have won ten home games in a row in all competitions. If they win Saturday, they will record their best home run since 1990. Ollie Watkins has found his shooting boots with three goals in his last two games. Yet he is still looking for his first home league goal since September.

Nottingham forest

The Tricky Trees have had a tough time in recent weeks and have lost their last three league matches. Historically, they have had a poor record at this venue, going winless at Villa Park in the Premier League for over 30 years. However, Forest have won five of their last seven opening games of a calendar year. Morgan Gibbs-White remains their main threat, top-scoring with three goals this season.

Predicted lineups

Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Malen; Watkins

Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Victor; Savona, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus

How do you watch Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 11:30am GMT, ahead of the 12:30pm kick-off.

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