Aston Villa are set for a massive night under the lights at Villa Park, as they host Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their all-English Europa League semi-final on Thursday. Trailing by a single goal after the first leg, Unai Emery's men will need to summon every ounce of their European pedigree to keep their dream season alive.
The tie hangs in the balance after Chris Wood's first-half penalty—awarded for a Lucas Digne handball—gave Forest a narrow 1-0 advantage at the City Ground. But if there's one thing Villa have proven this campaign, it's that they're a different beast on home soil. The Villans have won nine consecutive European matches in Birmingham, a run that has fans dreaming of a first major final since their 1982 European Cup triumph.
For Nottingham Forest, this is a chance to etch their own name into history. Riding their best unbeaten streak in a decade, the Tricky Trees are hunting a third major European final. After years of rebuilding, they've become a force to be reckoned with—and they'll fancy their chances of holding off a desperate Villa side.
Team News
Villa are expected to welcome back key starters like Ollie Watkins, who was rested during the weekend's 2-1 defeat to Tottenham. Captain John McGinn could also return after shaking off a minor muscular issue. However, midfield concerns linger: Amadou Onana remains a doubt with a calf strain, Ross Barkley is ineligible for European competition, and Boubacar Kamara is still sidelined long-term.
For Forest, Igor Jesus is set to feature after lighting up the competition with the most away goals this season. Chris Wood will lead the line again, with Taiwo Awoniyi absent from the club's UEFA squad list. Morgan Gibbs-White is a doubt after sustaining a deep cut in a collision with Brighton's Robert Sanchez, while Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, and Murillo remain out. Dan Ndoye is also questionable.
What's at Stake
Aston Villa may have hit a rough patch—suffering three straight defeats for the first time since 2024—but their European form tells a different story. Emery's side have been clinical when it matters most, and with a Champions League spot still within reach in the Premier League, they'll be fighting on two fronts. Thursday night at Villa Park promises to be a classic. The stage is set for a memorable showdown.