Nottingham Forest will be looking to build on their recent impressive victory at Old Trafford, while Aston Villa aim to maintain their push for Champions League qualification again when these two sides meet in an intriguing Premier League clash.
Both teams are in good form, with Forest hoping to solidify their home dominance and Villa looking to overcome recent away struggles.
Forest’s manager Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to stick with the winning formula that saw them claim an excellent 3-2 win over Manchester United. On the other hand, Unai Emery might need to reshuffle his Villa side after their midweek Champions League exertions and potential injuries.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nuno's men have found some consistency and are likely to field a similar lineup to their previous outing. Sels could continue between the sticks, with Neco Williams expected to cover for the unavailable Alex Moreno at left-back. The centre-back pairing of Murillo and Felipe have solidity, and Ola Aina is likely to retain his spot at right-back.
In midfield, Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez should continue to provide a solid defensive base. Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been a key creative spark, will operate in an advanced midfield role, supported by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva on the wings. Chris Wood, who scored a brace against Manchester United, is expected to lead the line once again.
Injuries to Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring) mean the Forest midfield might lack some depth, but the current setup has shown promise and dynamism.
Forest Predicted Lineup to face Villa
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Yates, Anderson; Jota, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Here is how the side last lined up
Aston Villa Team News
Unai Emery’s side has been in great form, but they may have to cope without key striker Ollie Watkins, who suffered a minor injury in their midweek Champions League win. If he is unavailable, Jhon Duran is likely to start up front. Leon Bailey is also doubtful with a hamstring concern.
The defensive line should feature Matty Cash at right-back, with Pau Torres and Diego Carlos in the heart of defence. In midfield, Youri Tielemans is expected to anchor the side, while John McGinn will provide attacking thrust from a central role.
Emery’s side will look to exploit Forest’s defensive gaps, but fatigue from their recent European commitments may play a role.
Villa Predicted Lineup to face Forest
Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Philogene, Rogers, McGinn; Duran
Aston Villa 
Notts Forest 
