Nottingham Forest - Aston Villa predictions and free betting tips [05/11/2023]

On Sunday, 5th of November during the 11th round of the EPL, Nottingham Forest will play host to Aston Villa at their home ground. Last weekend, "The Reds" were defeated 3:0 by Liverpool at Anfield, while Unai Emery's team continued their impressive home run with a 3:1 victory over Luton Town.

Predicted line-up

Nottingham Forest: Turner; Aurier, Murillo, Niakhate, Aina; Sangare, Mangala, Dominguez; Gibbs-White, Awoniyi, Elanga.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Kamara, Luiz, Bailey; Diaby, Watkins.

Stadium

The match will be held in Nottingham at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest

Currently, Nottingham Forest occupy the 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points clear of the relegation zone. They started the season well, but in recent weeks, their performance hasn't been impressive. Over the past six games, Forest have failed to win a single match (with four draws and two losses). After drawing 2:2 at home with modest Luton, Forest suffered a 3:0 loss to Liverpool last weekend. Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez established a lead for the Reds in the first half, and Mohamed Salah scored an unmet third goal on the 77th minute. Despite this, Forest have an impressive seven-game unbeaten run at the City Ground in the Premier League: only Manchester United and Tottenham have taken all three points from here in 2023. 

In the Forest squad, Argentine defender Montiel and substitute forwards Hudson-Odoi and Origi remain sidelined due to injury. Brazilian pair Felipe (defender) and Danilo (midfielder), who were absent last round, are also doubtful. On the other hand, forward Awooni (three goals and two assists in eight league matches), who recently returned from injury, is definitely expected to start on Sunday. Midfielders Orel Mangala and Ibrahim Sangaré were booked for the fourth time this season against Liverpool and will face a one-game suspension if they are booked again on Sunday. Young sensation Anthony Elanga is still key in Forest's attack, with Gibbs-White providing support.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa was the surprise package of last season and has maintained its ambitions this campaign. The Birmingham side currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, just a point behind the "big four". Making impressive progress under Unai Emery, "the Villans" haven't lost a single game in their last six matches (with five wins and a draw). Their strong run of form helped them secure victories against West Ham (4:1) and Luton Town (3:1) last weekend. John McGinn gave Villa the lead, and Moussa Diaby doubled the "Lions'" advantage at the beginning of the second half, essentially deciding the match outcome. As a result, Villa has had its best campaign start since the 1998-99 season, and it's been 70 years since the last time the "Lions" won seven of their first 10 league games.

Aston Villa continues to cope without captain Mings, key attacking midfielders Ramsey and Buendia, and left-back Moreno, all of whom are still struggling with physical problems. Italian winger Zaniolo, involved in illegal sports betting, is expected to avoid punishment and a lengthy ban. Ollie Watkins (five goals and five assists in the Premier League) is England's leading striker and Villa's main attacking threat. He forms a great partnership with Moussa Diaby (three goals and three assists). With 26 goals, Aston Villa shares the best attack in the league with Newcastle.

Head-to-head meetings

Last season at the City Ground, the teams drew 1:1, but Forest hasn't been able to secure a win over Villa since 1994.

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa match prediction

Rarely do teams manage to take all three points from the City Ground, especially considering that the home side will be strengthened by the return of Awooni from injury. In only two of the last nine away games in the Premier League have Emery's men managed to find success, and playing on two fronts certainly isn't helping the Sky Blues maintain optimal conditions. Considering the squad issues and upcoming Europa Conference League match in the week, I wouldn't expect the visitors to pull off any heroics here - my bet is Nottingham Forest +1.

Total prediction

In three out of the last four head-to-head matches, both teams have managed to find the back of the net. Villa is undoubtedly superior in class, but backed by the home crowd, Forest might just cause some trouble for Martinez and his men.

Corner prediction

With both teams relying on set-piece situations to develop their attacks, we should see at least nine corners delivered.

Yellow card prediction

This season, Nottingham Forest has regularly been given three yellow cards per game — a trend likely to continue on Sunday evening.

Score prediction

I'm betting on a final score of 1:1.