Lucas Digne in action for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
Cameron Smith
Fri 10 April 2026 17:10, UK
Aston Villa are quickly back in action on Sunday following their superb 3-1 win away at Bologna, as they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
It was not the prettiest of performances put in by Unai Emery‘s side, but they got the job done in Emilia-Romagna, bringing a valuable lead back to Villa Park for next week’s quarter-final second leg.
Now, attentions turn to Sunday’s clash against Nottingham Forest, who themselves were involved in European action, with Vitor Pereira’s side drawing 1-1 against Porto.
In the league, Villa are in desperate need of a Champions League spot, having missed out on Europe’s premier competition on the final day of the 2024-25 term.
Sitting in fourth place, the Villans are well-placed to secure a place, but must keep up the pace as they make the trip across the Midlands on Sunday.
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Ollie Watkins cements his place after star display vs Bologna
Striker Ollie Watkins has come under criticism as of late, with the 30-year-old finding the back of the net just nine times in the league this term, while his overall performances have been a stark contrast to the tireless efforts seen in recent years.
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Netting a double on the night in Bologna, Watkins spearheaded the visitors’ attack perfectly – seeing Villa put one foot in the semi-finals.
Stat
Shots 2
Goals 2
Touches 41
Carries 11
Sofascore rating 8.5
Ollie Watkins vs Bologna
Watkins has never been the most clinical, traditional number nine. But he is someone capable of forcing moments out of nothing when Villa’s back is against the wall.
This was especially the case against Bologna, with the striker turning what was a relatively underwhelming display from the visitors into an efficient continetal away showing.
After heavy criticism, Watkins showed that there is still life in him for now, and has cemented his spot in the team ahead of Sunday.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest.
Credit: Breaking Media
Making just the one change from Thursday’s away win, Ian Maatsen could come in at left-back to replace Lucas Digne.
Morgan Rogers struggled to get his game off in Bologna, with an xG of just 0.08 and two successful dribbles as he rotated with Emi Buendia out wide due to the absence of Jadon Sancho.
Maatsen is capable of covering ground out wide much more effectively than Digne, given the age of the Frenchman – which should allow both Buendia and Rogers to drift into the more central zones in which they wish to be in.
Aston Villa thankful to be playing Nottingham Forest
The timing of Sunday’s fixture could not have been better for either side, as both Villa and Forest were involved in Europa League quarter-finals on the same day.
Crucially, both of these were away too, with relatively similar travelling distances.
For Emery, he does not have to worry about his men coming up against completely fresh legs who have had a three-week break from league action – something that could prove pivotal as Villa battle for a Champions League spot.
Aston Villa Premier League table GW31
The Garibaldi will still present a stern test, though, given the contrast in performances since Pereira took the job.
The Portuguese coach has beaten Villa before during his time with Wolves, and his side will be looking to impose themselves on the visitors as they fight for their survival.
Sunday’s clash would usually carry all the signs of a banana skin for the Champions League chasers, who will be grateful to be playing a side in the same European circumstance, with a big second leg to come against Porto to come.
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