The Football Faithful
·14 December 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·14 December 2024
Aston Villa make the short trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening with both sides aiming for Europe this season.
Both sides are in the top six heading into the Premier League weekend, in what is set to be a fascinating encounter.
Villa head into the clash buoyed by a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig in the Champions League this week. A thriller in Germany saw Unai Emery’s side edge closer to automatic qualification to the knockout rounds.
Forest, meanwhile, have been the surprise of the campaign. Last weekend, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side bounced back from a mini-wobble to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time in 30 years.
Jhon Duran looks set to lead the line after yet another goalscoring cameo from the bench in Leipzig. The Colombian marked his first Premier league start of the season with the winner against Southampton last weekend, before another super-sub showing in Europe.
The 21-year-old has now scored 10 goals this season, despite starting just four games. Ollie Watkins was withdrawn for Duran in midweek due to a small injury and will be assessed. However, it will be difficult for Emery to leave out the in-form youngster regardless of whether Watkins is passed fit.
Leon Bailey could return from a hamstring injury at the City Ground, though Jacob Ramsey is not expected to feature until 2025.
Aston Villa predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Carlos, Torres, Maatsen; Onana, Tielemans; Philogene, Rogers, McGinn; Duran.
Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday 14th December 2024. Kick-off at the City Ground is 17:30 GMT.
Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports for supporters in the UK.
Live
Live
Live
Live
Live
Live