Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Emery Faces Injury Dilemma

Aston VillaAST

Alysson Edward Franco da Rocha 74'

Premier League

1–2

Full Time

HT 0–0

Villa Park

Birmingham

Nottingham ForestNOT

Liam Delap 46'
Igor Jesus 88'

AI ForecastsGraded

Aston Villa are still searching for their first league goal of the season after three goalless outings, but the underlying creation — averaging over three big chances a game — hints at a breakthrough. Nottingham Forest have been stodgy rather than spectacular, drawing twice and…

Match ResultHome Win45%

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Match Stats

Top Stats

0.82xG1.93

53%Possession47%

7 (5)Shots (on target)22 (7)

1Big Chances Created4

Attacking Play

1.20xG on Target2.48

0.49Expected Assists (xA)2.04

59Final Third Entries46

30Penalty Area Entries19

Possession & Passing

421 · –Passes (accuracy)360 · –

6Corners1

16Poss. Won — Def 3rd16

10Poss. Won — Mid 3rd23

Duels & Pressing

47 (49%)Duels Won50 (52%)

9 (41%)Aerial Duels Won13 (59%)

34Ball Recoveries47

10.2PPDA (Pressing)12.2

Defending & Discipline

5Saves5

11Fouls16

+0.48Goals Prevented+0.20

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Emery Faces Injury Dilemma

#	Team	P	GD	Pts
15	Nottingham Forest	6	-3	5
16	Aston Villa	6	-5	5

Published Mon 7 Sept

Aston Villa welcome Nottingham Forest to Villa Park in Birmingham on September 12 for a crucial Premier League round-four clash. Unai Emery’s squad is battling early-season fitness issues, while Oliver Glasner’s visiting side look to build on their impressive attacking metrics and defensive organisation.

Aston Villa Team News and Injury Latest

Unai Emery will be forced to shuffle his pack due to a mounting list of absentees. Midfielder Amadou Onana remains a long-term casualty as he recovers from reconstructive knee surgery. The hosts will also be without Joao Gomes, who serves a suspension, and Brian Madjo, who remains sidelined for another couple of weeks.

There is a glimmer of hope regarding Johan Manzambi, who has returned to training. However, Emery noted that the attacker is "progressively getting better" but might need more time before featuring against Forest or in their upcoming Champions League tie.

Nottingham Forest Form and Tactics

Forest have shown clear signs of adapting to Oliver Glasner's system. They looked secure without the ball in their recent trip to Anfield, breaking forward with a front five as the full-backs pushed high. That adventurous approach saw them create 2.3 expected goals on Merseyside, highlighting the danger they pose in transition.

Glasner has options to freshen up his side. Deadline-day arrival Daniel Munoz could feature at wing-back, potentially at the expense of Ola Aina. In central defence, Ousmane Diomande is pushing to challenge Jair Cunha for a starting berth.

Key Battle: Winning the Midfield

With Villa missing Gomes and Onana, Forest have an opportunity to assert control in the centre of the park. Morgan Gibbs-White and Ryan Yates are both fully available for the visitors, and Ibrahim Sangare could return after missing the Liverpool match with a minor calf problem.

Further forward, Chris Wood is fit following a bout of thigh tightness, providing a focal point for Forest. He will be supported by Liam Delap, who Glasner admits is still searching for full match rhythm but remains a potent option off the bench.

Securing three points at Villa Park would provide a massive boost for Emery’s depleted squad ahead of a demanding Champions League schedule. Conversely, a positive result in Birmingham would validate Glasner’s tactical overhaul and signal Forest's intent to push up the Premier League table this season.