Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Tough assignment for Forest

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

The action comes thick and fast at this time of year, and we enter 2026 with the first match of the weekend taking place at Villa Park (12:30 GMT).

Villa will be looking for an immediate response, following their demolition by league-leaders Arsenal on Tuesday night and have a good chance to do so against struggling Forest.

Read on for my Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest predictions, supported by the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Matty Cash and central midfielder Boubacar Kamara will return to the Villa ranks on Saturday.

Onana, Evann Guessand (Afcon) and Ross Barkley (knee) are unavailable, but Tyrone Mings (thigh) and Pau Torres (calf) have a chance of being fit.

Forest hope to have Ola Aina involved in some capacity. However, Ryan Yates isn't thought likely to make it, while Chris Wood (knee), Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare (Afcon) are also absent.

Premier League Odds

Today's Football Fixtures

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest odds

Aston Villa to win @ 10/11

It's not the most inventive of selections but sometimes you've just got to go with what seems the most logical conclusion.

Yes, Sean Dyche could well get a response from Forest, trying to avoid a fourth consecutive PL defeat, and especially for what's almost a derby of sorts (50 miles down the A42/M42).

Two European Cup-winning clubs too, during that incredible late 70s/early 80s period for the pair. It's a lively rivalry but one that Villa should be handling today.

They come here of course smarting from a 4-1 dismantling at the hands of Arsenal at The Emirates, but the Gunners aren't top of the pile for nothing.

Prior to that they were flying along nicely beating the likes of Basel, West Ham, Man Utd and Chelsea in successive starts, and with the comforts of home Morgan Rogers and company will be looking forward to this one.

About 14 places separate the pair in the PL table and that 10/11 might just look something of a bargain in a few hours time (famous last words)!

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