Aston Villa travel to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground later on this afternoon, looking to strengthen their grip on a place in the Premier League’s top four.
Unai Emery’s men come into the encounter off the back of a superb 3-1 triumph over Bologna in the Europa League on Thursday, subsequently having one foot in the semi-finals.
However, attention must switch back to the clash against Vitor Pereira’s men, who desperately need three points to bolster their own chances of top-flight survival.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery reacts
Despite the Reds’ lowly league standing, the Villans have failed to beat them away from home in each of the last three meetings - something which Emery desperately needs to end today.
The manager will no doubt have numerous selection headaches ahead of the meeting, with multiple players staking their claim for a return to the starting eleven.
Aston Villa team news ahead of Forest Premier League clash
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash in Nottingham, Villa boss Emery has spoken to the media and confirmed the availability of the players within his senior ranks.
The Spaniard confirmed that he and the medical staff will make a late call on the fitness of winger Jadon Sancho ahead of the meeting in the East Midlands.
jadon-sancho-aston-villa
The Englishman suffered a shoulder injury in the friendly against Spanish side Elche during the international break - leaving the field with his arm in a sling.
However, the latest update could see him feature in the squad this afternoon - which could only add to the selection dilemma that will present itself to Emery.
He also confirmed that Brazilian youngster Alysson has returned to senior training in recent days, but a return to action for the attacker may still have to wait.
Boubacar Kamara is the club’s only long-term absentee, with every other member of the squad in contention to start against Pereira’s side later on today.
The Villa star who could replace Buendia against Forest
Whilst attacker Emi Buendia started the recent win over Bologna, manager Emery must look to drop the Villa star to the bench in favour of a slight tactical switch.
BUENDIA
The Argentine featured for 88 minutes of Thursday night’s victory, but his underlying stats demonstrate his struggles and his lack of impact against the Serie A outfit.
He could only complete 69% of the passes he attempted, subsequently losing possession on 13 occasions - highlighting his wasteful nature with the ball at his feet.
The 29-year-old could only make three passes into the final third of the pitch, with the winger struggling to provide the goods for Emery’s men within attacking areas.
As a result, he would be lucky to maintain his starting position, with the manager needing to hand midfielder Douglas Luiz a return to the starting eleven.
Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz
The Brazilian, who rejoined the Villans on loan in January, spent the first half of the season on loan at Forest - which could hand him the perfect chance to show them what they’re missing out on.
Whilst he operates in a slightly different role to Buendia, the manager could utilise a midfield three of Luiz, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana to nullify the Reds’ threat.
The decision would see the Brazilian the Villans’ next version of £100m star Jack Grealish - who often played in a line breaking central role during his time at Villa Park.
As a result, Morgan Rogers and John McGinn would feature off the left and right flanks, respectively, offering a hugely balanced midfield during the meeting at the City Ground.
The installation of Luiz at the heart of the side would see Emery’s men have another conductor, as seen by his tally of 89% passes completed so far this campaign.
Douglas Luiz - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribble success
Duels won
Tackles made
Ball recoveries made
He’s also created 2.1 chances per 90 so far in 2025/26 to date, whilst also completing 45% of the dribbles he’s attempted - highlighting his phenomenal ability in possession.
This afternoon’s meeting is a huge one for both clubs, but Emery desperately needs to ensure that his side come out on the right side of things and claim three vital points.
Douglas-Luiz-Aston-Villa
A win is needed to help ensure their places within the division’s top-four, with Luiz the man to influence things if handed the chance to start against his former side.
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