Verdict: Aston Villa win 

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their Champions League charge on Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa will travel to the City Ground when they meet Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest

Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have eventually breezed their way to Premier League safety last season, Steve Cooper’s side have once again struggled to find any kind of stability this time around. Last seen putting in another worrying performance as they suffered a routine 3-0 defeat away at Liverpool, the former Swansea boss could have some returning pressure on his shoulders. Suffering what was an infamous collapse at home against top-flight returners Luton on October 21st as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at the City Ground, Forest are without a win from any of their previous six Premier League appearances. With that extended struggle stemming all the way back to their shock 1-0 win away at Chelsea back on September 2nd, Cooper’s side should be bracing themselves for another stern examination here. Mustering just a pair of wins from their first 11 outings across all competitions, some in Forest’s camp will be starting to feel that another relegation scrap could be on the cards.

Team News

Only making a cameo appearance away at Liverpool last weekend after returning from a minor knock, Taiwo Awoniyi should make a first start since returning from October’s international break. However, Cooper is expected to once again be without the attacking duo of Divock Origi and former Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Although there might have been continued speculation regarding Matt Turner’s position as Cooper’s number-one, the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper is expected to keep his spot between the sticks here. Summer recruit Ibrahim Sangare should once again partner Orel Mangala at the heart of Forest’s midfield.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, making real history last season as they clinched a Europa Conference League ticket, Aston Villa are riding what has been a remarkable wave of momentum. Last seen putting in another thumping performance as they claimed a routine 3-1 win at home against Luton, Unai Emery’s side have continued to gain a string of plaudits. Making it clear that they have their sights set on mounting a genuine Champions League charge this time around, the former Arsenal boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-four, Emery’s side have collected 16 points from their previous six appearances across all competitions. Smelling a golden chance to lay down another marker on Sunday afternoon, Aston Villa should also be excited by their stellar record against Forest. Including a 2-0 victory when they welcomed the potential relegation scrappers to town back on April 8th, Emery’s men are unbeaten in each of their last six showdowns against Sunday’s hosts.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Aston Villa will travel to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon without the duo of Tyrone Mings and Emi Buendia. Likewise, not making a single appearance since the end of September, Emery’s side are still sweating over the fitness of 22-year-old Jacob Ramsey.

Continuing to break a string of records this season and already notching five Premier League strikes, England international Ollie Watkins will spearhead Villa’s charge in Nottingham. Summer recruit Pau Torres will partner Ezri Konsa at the heart of Emery’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on April 8th, Aston Villa picked up a 2-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Emery’s high-flying squad are unbeaten in each of their last six showdowns against Nottingham Forest.
• Sunday’s hosts have recorded just a pair of wins from their first 11 appearances across all competitions.
• Forest have been forced to settle for a stalemate in each of their previous three Premier League appearances at the City Ground.
• Aston Villa have collected 16 points from their previous six appearances across all competitions.

Conclusion

Making yet another Premier League statement last weekend as they secured a routine 3-1 victory at home against Luton, there is no doubt that Aston Villa will be looking to lay down another marker here. In the midst of what has quickly become a major purple patch and with their sights set on securing a Champions League spot, Emery’s high-flying squad will also be excited by a stellar record against Sunday’s hosts. With Nottingham Forest failing to win any of their previous six straight Premier League outings, we are backing an away double chance at the City Ground.

Verdict: Aston Villa win

Best Odds: 20/21

Bookmaker: Luckster