Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Match Overview – 07.05.2026

Aston Villa hosts Nottingham Forest at the Villa Park in Birmingham in a second leg from the Europa League 1/2-finals. The Reds have one goal advantage after the first leg at the City Ground, but it doesn’t mean the tie is decided. Let’s preview in this Betting on underdogs in football matches guide.

Forest managed to secure an advantage in the first leg at the City Ground. In the 71st minute Vitor Pereira’s team got the chance to execute a penalty kick. Chris Wood got behind the spot and put the ball in the net.

Now Aston Villa have some catching up to do. Unai Emery is a manager who has won the Europa League numerous times in his career. The experience is his, so let’s see how he will prepare the Villans for this second leg.

Aston Villa News & Analysis

Many of Villa’s players underperformed against Nottingham Forest in the first leg in Nottingham. It means that Unai Emery could be tempted to make a change or two. Players like Bailey, Douglas Luiz, Elliott or Sancho could be in contention to start the match.

Jadon Sancho’s creativity could be key for Aston Villa in the rematch. The former English international has a lot of experience in European nights like this, including the Champions League. It’s Emery’s choice, though – Sancho is a bit inconsistent so let’s see if he’s going to trust him.

Nottingham Forest News & Analysis

Former champions of Europe, Nottingham Forest are 90 minutes away of their first European final since 46 years. The Reds already did half of the job, but job is not done – the second leg in Birmingham won’t be easy.

The manager Vitor Pereira is aware of Aston Villa’s attacking talent, so he needs to prepare his team to defend as well as possible. Players like Anderson and Dominguez have to be at the top of their game in midfield while Morato and Milenkovic are key in the defence.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Betting Predictions

These two teams know each other very well so they can hardly create any kind of surprise here. We believe that small details will decide this tie.

Under 2.5 Goals;

Head-to-Head Matches

This will be the 122nd game between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in all competitions. The Villans have an advantage as they have won 56 of the games, compared to Forest’s 36. There are 29 draws as well.

Betting Verdict

We expect another tactical game between these two Premier League sides in Europa League. Although Nottingham Forest have a slight advantage, Aston Villa will rely on their home advantage. We wish you good luck in our Betting on underdogs in football matches.