Overview
Nottingham Forest are still flying high in the Premier League this season after a 1-0 victory over Man United in the most recent round. They have 57 points after 30 matches and are 5 points ahead of 4th-placed Chelsea. Coach Nuno Santo's team is holding a great chance to win a ticket to the Champions League next season.
However, Nottingham's series of 5 consecutive wins in all competitions will face a big challenge called Aston Villa. Although they have only won 48 points after 30 matches, Aston Villa are still in impressive form with 6 consecutive wins in all competitions. In particular, they have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
In addition, Aston Villa also have home advantage when facing Nottingham. History shows that the Villa Park team has been unbeaten in all 8 recent times hosting Nottingham, including 5 wins. Their last home defeat to their opponents came in October 1994.
Remember, Aston Villa are also on a 14-match unbeaten streak at home in the Premier League, averaging 1.87 points. Therefore, Nottingham's winning streak will likely have to stop in the trip to Villa Park.
However, Santo's side won 2-1 at the City Ground earlier this season, with Anthony Elanga scoring the winning goal in the last minute.
Personnel situation
Villa's injury list has been reduced at the right time when they have faced a series of difficult matches. Only winger Leon Bailey and midfielder Ross Barkley will be out in this match.
On the other side of the front line, Nottingham Forest suffered a heavy blow in the victory over Man United when full-back Ola Aina had to leave the field. Top scorer Chris Wood also missed that match due to injury and was once again doubted for playing ability.
Expected lineup:
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Digne, Torres, McGinn, Tielemans, Rogers, Rashford, Kamara, Watkins.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Murillo, Williams, Milenkovi, Moreno, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Yates, Sangare, awoniyi.
The match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest takes place at 23:30 on April 5 (Vietnam time).
