Date: 24 February 2024
Kick-Off: 15:00 UK, 16:00 CET
Venue: Villa Park
Contents
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Top free betting tips
Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, 24 February in a match that will have huge ramifications in the relegation battle and race for the top four. Villa bounced back from defeat to Man Utd by beating Fulham last weekend while Nottingham Forest recorded their first league win in six matches as they downed West Ham at the City Ground. Who will prevail this weekend? Check out our Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction below.
Match result prediction: Aston Villa to win
There have been some doubts emerging about Aston Villa in recent weeks, with the club enduring a poor run of form that included defeats at home to Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle. However, last weekend they returned to fourth spot with their win away at Fulham coinciding with Tottenham's loss at home to Wolves and they looked more like their old selves. Ollie Watkins was back amongst the goals and we believe they have finally got their second wind which will take them to victory again on Saturday.
Anytime goalscorer prediction: Ollie Watkins
Overall, Ollie Watkins has had a great season in terms of both goals and assists. He has scored 13 league goals, meaning he is just three shy of beating his previous best of 15 while his ten assists is already a personal record for the striker. The England international is a streaky player and he is currently on four goals in his last five games which makes us believe he will get among the goals again on Saturday. If he can continue this current purple patch then Villa will have a great chance of finishing 4th.
Correct score prediction: Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Despite their win last weekend, we don't think Nottingham Forest will get anything at Villa Park on Saturday. Despite recent losses, Villa still boast a home record that is only bettered by Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal and Villa Park remains a tough place to go.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest team news
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa have had a tough time with injuries of late but no new injuries arose last time out which at least means no one has been added to the current list that features Kamara, Buendia, Mings, Konsa, Carlos and Duran. Lucas Digne could earn his first start since regaining his fitness at the weekend after coming off the bench against Fulham last week, although Diego Carlos has performed well in Digne's absence.
Martinez – Cash, Torres, Lenglet, Digne – Bailey, Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey – Tielemans – Watkins
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest should welcome back Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly after the pair returned from AFCON 2023 as winners with the Ivory. Ola Aina, who lost the final with Nigeria, is also back in training and could be selected by Santo. There are doubts, however, about Taiwo Awoniyi who is struggling after being forced off against West Ham last week. It means that Divock Origi is the favourite to lead the Forest line with Chris Wood also out injured.
Sels – Williams, Felipe, Murillo, Tavares – Danilo, Dominguez – Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi – Origi
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: What the fans think
Villa fans regard the match as a must-win
When you’re at the top end of the table EVERY game is must win and a cup final. We did great at Fulham last week and now need to professionally deal with Forest Saturday. That’s what a top four team does. They go and win. Most games. Especially at home. #UTV #AVFC https://t.co/yf4O4A6xRM
— Stuart Rae (@sturae229) February 21, 2024
Forest fans want to see rotation
It seems a little harsh to break up a winning team but Aston Villa away is the exact type of game #NFFC brought Sangare to the club for, potentially a straight swap for Danilo alongside Dominguez in midfield on Saturday?
Felipe should cope with a game a week but we do have Boly.
— Dave Holmes (@DaveHo1mes) February 21, 2024
How far will Nottingham Forest travel to Villa Park?
Nottingham Forest fans can get to Villa Park by taking a 50-mile trip across the A42 and M42 which will take just over an hour in normal traffic. By train, Forest fans can go directly to Birmingham New Street from Nottingham before switching to a service that goes to Witton. From there, the ground is just a short walk away.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Tickets
Aston Villa have sold out all tickets for the match against Nottingham Forest with fans clearly recognising the importance of the fixture as the run-in commences. Nottingham Forest have been given an allocation of 3,005 tickets and all of these have been sold to eligible season ticket holders.
FAQs: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Who is the referee? Sam Barrott will be the referee for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest.
Who is the Aston Villa manager? Unai Emery is the current Aston Villa manager.
How big is Villa Park? Villa Park has a capacity of 42,640.