Explore MFF’s detailed preview for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 14:00 BST match.
Match Details
- Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
- Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00 BST
- Venue: The City Ground
Our predictions for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest will be buoyed by their recent 3-0 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into this clash against Aston Villa. With Igor Jesus leading the line, Forest’s attack could pose significant problems for Villa’s defence, especially given Villa’s recent struggles at the back. However, Villa’s win against West Ham shows they can still pack a punch, particularly with Ollie Watkins up front.
Aston Villa, despite their recent form, have the quality to challenge Forest, especially if Jadon Sancho finds his rhythm. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Ibrahim Sangaré and Morgan Rogers likely to be at the heart of it. Expect a tight contest with both sides having their moments.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have shown resilience in their recent fixtures, with a solid 3-0 away win against Tottenham Hotspur highlighting their potential. A couple of draws against Fulham and Manchester City suggest they can hold their own against tough opposition. However, losses to Brighton and Liverpool indicate there are still areas to improve. Overall, their form suggests a team capable of pulling off a result, especially at home.
Recent Premier League Results:
- Win: 3-0 vs Tottenham Hotspur (A)
- Draw: 0-0 vs Fulham (H)
- Draw: 2-2 vs Manchester City (A)
- Loss: 1-2 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
- Loss: 0-1 vs Liverpool (H)
Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with a much-needed 2-0 victory over West Ham providing a glimmer of hope. However, consecutive losses to Manchester United, Chelsea, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have dented their confidence. A draw against Leeds United shows they can still grind out results, but consistency remains an issue. They’ll need to tighten up defensively to stand a chance against Forest.
Recent Premier League Results:
- Win: 2-0 vs West Ham United (H)
- Loss: 1-3 vs Manchester United (A)
- Loss: 1-4 vs Chelsea (H)
- Loss: 0-2 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
- Draw: 1-1 vs Leeds United (H)
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between these two sides has been quite competitive, with Aston Villa having the upper hand in recent encounters. Villa’s 3-1 victory in January 2026 and a 2-1 win in April 2025 show their capability to edge out Forest. However, Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 win in December 2024 and a 2-0 triumph in November 2023 demonstrate they can turn the tables, especially at home. This fixture promises to be another closely contested affair.
Recent Premier League Results
- Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest (03 Jan 2026)
- Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest (05 Apr 2025)
- Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa (14 Dec 2024)
- Aston Villa 4-2 Nottingham Forest (24 Feb 2024)
- Nottingham Forest 2-0 Aston Villa (05 Nov 2023)
Team News & Injury Report
Nottingham Forest
- Elliot Anderson (Yellow Card Suspension)
Aston Villa
- Boubacar Kamara (Knee Injury)
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
- Predicted lineup: Sels (GK), Williams (DF), Murillo (DF), Milenković (DF), Aina (DF), Sangaré (MF), Hudson-Odoi (MF), TBC (MF), Gibbs-White (MF), Hutchinson (MF), Jesus (AT)Predicted lineup: Sels (GK), Williams (DF), Murillo (DF), Milenković (DF), Aina (DF), Sangaré (MF), Hudson-Odoi (MF), TBC (MF), Gibbs-White (MF), Hutchinson (MF), Jesus (AT)
Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Igor Jesus spearheading the attack. The midfield trio of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Omari Hutchinson will be crucial in linking play and providing creativity.Nottingham Forest are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Igor Jesus spearheading the attack. The midfield trio of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Omari Hutchinson will be crucial in linking play and providing creativity.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
- Predicted lineup: Martínez (GK), Cash (DF), Konsa (DF), Digne (DF), Torres (DF), Barkley (MF), McGinn (MF), Sancho (MF), Onana (MF), Rogers (MF), Watkins (AT)Predicted lineup: Martínez (GK), Cash (DF), Konsa (DF), Digne (DF), Torres (DF), Barkley (MF), McGinn (MF), Sancho (MF), Onana (MF), Rogers (MF), Watkins (AT)
Aston Villa are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 setup, with Ollie Watkins leading the line. Jadon Sancho and Morgan Rogers will be key in supporting the attack, while Ross Barkley and John McGinn anchor the midfield.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
- Jesus vs Torres: Jesus will look to exploit any gaps left by Torres in Villa’s defence.Jesus vs Torres: Jesus will look to exploit any gaps left by Torres in Villa’s defence.
- Sangaré vs Rogers: This midfield clash could dictate the tempo of the game, with Sangaré’s physicality against Rogers’ creativity.Sangaré vs Rogers: This midfield clash could dictate the tempo of the game, with Sangaré’s physicality against Rogers’ creativity.
- Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest): Hutchinson’s flair and vision make him a vital cog in Forest’s attacking setup.Hutchinson (Nottingham Forest): Hutchinson’s flair and vision make him a vital cog in Forest’s attacking setup.
- Sancho ( Aston Villa): Sancho’s ability to unlock defences with his dribbling and pace is crucial for Villa’s attacking threat.
FAQs
- How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
- Fans in the UK are able to watch Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD, SKY GO Extra at 14:00 BST on Sunday, 12 April 2026
- What is MFF’s prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa?
- MFF is predicting that the score will be Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa in this match
- Can you bet on Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa?
- MFF is giving fans the ability to bet on various markets for Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa, including match betting, correct score and anytime scorer odds.
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.