Aston Villa are set to face Nottingham Forest on 2026-05-05 at Villa Park in a Premier League fixture. As of the latest verified reports, both teams are preparing for the match with key players returning from injury. Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Ollie Watkins is fit to start, while Nottingham Forest's Nuno Espírito Santo has indicated that Taiwo Awoniyi remains doubtful due to a groin issue.
Predicted line-ups from reliable sources suggest Aston Villa will field a 4-4-2 formation with Emiliano Martínez in goal, a back four of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne, a midfield of John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, and Leon Bailey, and a forward duo of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Durán. Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 with Matz Sels in goal, a defense of Neco Williams, Willy Boly, Murillo, and Ola Aina, a midfield of Ryan Yates, Danilo, and Morgan Gibbs-White, and a front three of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood, and Anthony Elanga.
Team news indicates that Aston Villa will be without the injured Tyrone Mings and Jacob Ramsey, while Nottingham Forest are missing Felipe and Gonzalo Montiel due to injuries. The match is crucial for both sides as they aim to secure points in the Premier League standings. Based on current form and home advantage, a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa is a common prediction among analysts.
