Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 3, 2026
One of the key fixtures of the Premier League's Matchday 20 will unfold this Saturday at Villa Park in Birmingham, where Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest. Let's break down a bet on the outcome of this clash that offers solid chances for success.
Match preview
Aston Villa suffered their first Premier League defeat in two months, falling 1-4 to Arsenal. However, the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story: had Ollie Watkins converted a golden opportunity in the first half, the game could have taken a different turn. Despite the setback, Unai Emery’s side remains firmly in the top three, and their dominance at Villa Park continues—ten consecutive home wins speak volumes.
The return of previously suspended Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara significantly bolsters the lineup. Even with injury concerns—Mings, Torres, and Barkley remain sidelined—Villa’s squad depth and the passionate home support make them favorites for this encounter. Victory here would be historic, potentially marking 11 straight home wins for the first time since 1990.
Nottingham Forest ended 2025 on a sour note, with three straight defeats and just one goal scored, edging perilously close to the relegation zone. Their most recent match, a loss to Everton, extended a poor run in which the Tricky Trees struggled at both ends of the pitch. On the bright side, Forest avoided fresh injuries and could be strengthened by the return of Dan Ndoye.
Sean Dyche continues his efforts to stabilize results, and for now, Forest remain above the drop zone. Nevertheless, a trip to Birmingham stands out as one of the toughest away challenges of the season: Forest haven’t won at Villa Park since 1994. Defensive solidity and minimizing mistakes will be crucial if they are to come away with anything positive.
Probable lineups
- Aston Villa: Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelöf, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Malen, Watkins
- Nottingham Forest: Victor, Savona, Murillo, Milenković, Williams, Anderson, Domínguez, Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus
Match facts and head-to-head
- Aston Villa have won their last 10 Premier League home games.
- Nottingham Forest lost 1-2 to Aston Villa in Birmingham last season.
- Forest have not won at Villa Park in the Premier League since 1994.
Prediction
Aston Villa will be eager to bounce back immediately from their heavy defeat to Arsenal, and their home ground is the perfect stage to do so. Forest’s attacking struggles and poor away form weigh heavily against the visitors.
