Get ready for a massive European night at Villa Park this Thursday as Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. The action kicks off at 20:00 and will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
Both sides head into this clash with contrasting recent form. Aston Villa are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 1-2 home defeat against Tottenham in the Premier League last weekend. Nottingham Forest, however, arrive full of confidence after a commanding 1-3 victory away at Chelsea. The last meeting between these two teams ended with Forest claiming a narrow 1-0 win.
On the team news front, Villa boss Unai Emery is expected to field a strong lineup featuring Emiliano Martínez between the sticks, with Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Tyrone Mings, and Ian Maatsen forming the back four. In midfield, Lamare Bogarde and Youri Tielemans will likely anchor the engine room, supporting an attacking trio of Jadon Sancho, Ross Barkley, and Morgan Rogers, with Tammy Abraham leading the line.
Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira will rely on Matz Sels in goal, protected by a defensive unit of Zach Abbott, Jair Cunha, Morato, and Luca Netz. The midfield sees Dilane Bakwa, Nicolás Domínguez, and Ryan Yates providing energy, while James McAtee, Igor Jesus, and Taiwo Awoniyi will be tasked with causing problems up front.
The managerial head-to-head adds an intriguing subplot. Unai Emery has faced Vítor Pereira three times, managing just one draw and two defeats. Pereira, meanwhile, has an unbeaten record against Aston Villa in three meetings, with two wins and a draw. Emery's overall record against Nottingham Forest is stronger—five wins, one draw, and three defeats from nine encounters.
Forest come into this tie in sensational form. They are unbeaten in their last ten matches across all competitions, winning five in a row. Away from home, they are on a ten-match unbeaten streak, have scored in nine consecutive away games, and have won their last two on the road. In fact, they've only lost once in their last 12 matches overall.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have been solid at Villa Park. They've suffered just one defeat in their last five home games and have scored in nine consecutive matches on their own turf. Remarkably, they've only drawn one of their last 24 home fixtures, showing a tendency for decisive results. Overall, Villa have drawn just once in their last 13 matches, highlighting their commitment to attacking football.
With both teams in strong form and a place in the Europa League final at stake, this promises to be a thrilling encounter. Will Villa's home advantage prove decisive, or can Forest's incredible run continue? All eyes will be on Villa Park this Thursday.