Match preview

Aston Villa head into the return leg under mounting pressure after suffering three consecutive defeats for the first time this season. Alongside the first-leg loss to Nottingham Forest, Unai Emery’s men have also fallen to Fulham and Tottenham in recent matches. Still, their home record in Europe remains a major source of confidence. Prior to the defeat against Spurs, Villa had won four straight games at Villa Park by an aggregate score of 12-3, while their Premier League home tally of 35 points is the best outside the current top three.

Emery rotated several regular starters in the league last weekend, making it clear that the focus is firmly on this European showdown. Villa Park has become one of the toughest venues in continental competition, with Aston Villa losing just once in their last 19 European home fixtures.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, travel to Birmingham full of belief after extending their unbeaten streak to ten matches. Following their 1-0 victory in the first leg, Vítor Pereira’s side produced another impressive performance by defeating Chelsea 3-1 away from home at Stamford Bridge.

Forest have been playing with confidence and efficiency, punishing mistakes with ruthless precision. However, there are concerns over squad fitness. Morgan Gibbs-White remains doubtful, while a potential absence for Ola Aina could weaken the right side of the defense. In addition, Forest have struggled at times away from home defensively, conceding in six of their last nine road matches across all competitions.

Probable lineups

Aston Villa: Martinez, Digne, Torres, Konsa, Cash, Tielemans, Bogarde, Rogers, Buendía, McGinn, Watkins.

Nottingham Forest: Ortega, Aina, Milenković, Morato, Williams, Anderson, Domínguez, Bakwa, Hutchinson, Jesus, Wood.

Match facts and head-to-head

Nottingham Forest won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a Chris Wood penalty.

Aston Villa are unbeaten at home against Nottingham Forest since 2016, recording five wins and two draws.

Six of the last seven meetings in Birmingham have featured at least three goals.

Aston Villa have won their last nine European home matches in regulation time.

Villa have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine European home fixtures.

Aston Villa have taken fewer than six corners in ten of their last twelve European home games.

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