Nottingham Forest are on the verge of something special. As they head to Birmingham on Thursday, the Tricky Trees are protecting a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, with a place in their third major European final hanging in the balance.
Under Vítor Pereira, this Forest side has shown remarkable discipline and resilience. Chris Wood's penalty in the first leg was enough to secure the advantage, and the team is currently riding a ten-game unbeaten run across all competitions—their best such streak in a decade. They've also been flawless against fellow English opposition in Europe this season, winning all three meetings.
However, Villa Park has historically been a tough place for Forest. They are winless there in their last ten visits, a stat that will weigh on the minds of fans and players alike. Pereira made eight changes to his side on Monday to keep his squad fresh, but fitness concerns remain.
Morgan Gibbs-White is a significant doubt after sustaining a deep cut in a collision with Robert Sanchez during the win over Chelsea. While the midfielder avoided a concussion, the severity of the laceration could keep him out. Forest are already without Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, Murillo, Nicolo Savona, Callum Hudson-Odoi, John Victor, and Willy Boly—all sidelined through injury.
Igor Jesus has been a key outlet for the visitors, involved in five away goals in this season's competition, and will likely be a focal point again. Chris Wood is expected to lead the front line, with Taiwo Awoniyi not registered on the club's UEFA squad list. Omari Hutchinson heads into the second leg brimming with confidence after recording ten dribbles and creating four chances in the first leg.
Defensively, Forest have been outstanding. They've kept a joint-high seven clean sheets in the Europa League this season, including three in the knockout stages, and restricted Aston Villa to an expected goals (xG) of just 0.8 in the first leg. History is also on their side: Forest have only been eliminated from one of their last 13 knockout ties when winning the first leg.
Thursday's clash promises to be a tense, high-stakes affair. Can Forest's discipline and defensive solidity carry them to a historic final?