Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest predictions and betting tips – Will Pereira’s men complete the job?

Nottingham Forest beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the first leg of this Europa League semi-final, giving them a narrow lead to take to Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side will back themselves to overturn that deficit in front of their own fans.

Will it be Villa in the final of Europe’s secondary competition, or can Forest get the result they need to progress?

• Draw – 13/5 with 247Bet
• Both teams to score – 5/6 with BoyleSports
• Morgan Gibbs-White to score any time – 2/1 with Tote

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest head to head overview

• Date: Thursday 7th May.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham, England.
• Where to watch: TNT Sports 1.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Thursday 30th April; Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa.
• Last 10 matches: Aston Villa – 5 wins; Nottingham Forest – 3 wins; Draws – 2.
• Favourite to win: Aston Villa.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest predicted lineups

• Aston Villa expected lineup: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Luiz, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins.
• Nottingham Forest expected lineup: Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Hutchinson, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Jesus, Wood.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest predictions

It is advantage Nottingham Forest at the midway point of this Europa League semi-final.

A tight first leg at the City Ground produced only one goal: a penalty converted by Forest striker Chris Wood in the 71st minute.

Vitor Pereira’s side have an aggregate lead to take with them to Villa Park for the return fixture, but Unai Emery will hope that home advantage helps his team overturn the one-goal deficit.

These two teams had contrasting experiences at the weekend ahead of the second leg, even though both managers opted to shuffle their packs with Thursday in mind.

Villa produced one of their worst performances of the campaign in a 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. They still have a six-point buffer above sixth-placed Bournemouth, but Villa are not yet guaranteed a top-five finish in the Premier League.

On the other hand, Nottingham Forest’s second string pulled off a fabulous result in West London, beating Chelsea 3-1 to in effect confirm their Premier League status.

Forest are now six points clear of danger with three games remaining. They are not mathematically safe, but it would take a remarkable turn of events for Pereira’s side to succumb to the drop.

Forest have some serious momentum behind them going into the second leg. They have now won five games on the bounce in all competitions, conceding only one goal in that time.

As for Villa, three defeats in a row indicates they have gone off the boil. But it is never wise to write off Emery in the Europa League.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting tips

Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest in an all-Premier League tie in the Europa League semi-finals.

Forest can avoid defeat

The pressure is on Aston Villa on Thursday. They need to win this game to at least force extra time, whereas a draw would be enough to send Nottingham Forest through to the final.

It is a dangerous situation that Villa find themselves in, not least because of how Forest play.

Ever since Steve Cooper’s time in charge where he guided the club back up to the Premier League, Forest have been at their best as a counter-attacking force. Villa will need to come onto them, which will in turn open up space into which Forest can break.

Villa will have their moments in the second leg and Forest’s winning streak may well come to an end, but we fancy Pereira’s men to go through from here.

Back a draw at 13/5 with 247Bet

Chances for both sides

This has been a turbulent season for Nottingham Forest, who have been led by four different managers – none of them caretakers.

Pereira has done the best job of all. That does not mean he is necessarily the man for the long haul, but he has improved Forest at both ends of the pitch.

As well as the team’s aforementioned recent defensive record, it is notable that Forest have scored three or more goals in three of their last five games. They are likely to find the net here.

At the same time, a clean sheet could be beyond Forest on Thursday with Villa poised to throw everything at them.

Tip both teams to score at 5/6 with BoyleSports

Gibbs-White in fine form

Morgan Gibbs-White could have sulked after his desired move to Tottenham Hotspur did not go through last summer.

Instead, the England international has knuckled down and again been an inspirational figure for Nottingham Forest.

Gibbs-White tends to be at the heart of everything Forest produce going forward, whether it is by creating chances for team-mates or converting opportunities fashioned by himself or others.

Gibbs-White has scored five goals in his last five appearances, and he will carry a major threat in the second leg against Aston Villa.

Go for Morgan Gibbs-White to score any time at 2/1 with Tote

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest latest odds

Find the latest Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More Europa League predictions

We have plenty more Europa League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest for betting

Aston Villa have lost three games on the spin ahead of the second leg.

Nottingham Forest are on a nine-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have won the European Cup, but neither has triumphed in this competition.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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