Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Predictions: 03.01.2026 - Premier League Betting Tips

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa take on relegation threatened Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. Unai Emery's side will be looking to bounce back from their defeat against Arsenal, while Sean Dyche is firmly looking over his shoulder at the drop zone.

Our Premier League expert Nathan Joyes analyses the match and provides his best bet within.

Villa reaction required

After 11 wins on the bounce, Aston Villa finally fell to defeat. A 4-1 loss against Arsenal saw Unai Emery's team fall apart in the second half after heading into the break level.

However, it's important to address Villa were without key players, and both Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara will return to the matchday squad this weekend.

A 10 minute spell in the second half where Villa switched off cost them dearly, but they have the opportunity to fix it almost immediately and get back on track this weekend.

The title may be beyond them, but the Champions League certainly isn't. It would be foolish to write Villa off after a defeat against the best team in Europe this season.

Forest's inconsistent away form

If Forest are to avoid relegation this season they will need to start stringing positive results together. Their 3-0 win at Anfield is well and truly a distant memory as defeats to both Everton and Fulham - without scoring - have shown a real lack of attacking quality.

The Reds signed off 2025 with yet another defeat - this time to Everton at home without scoring once again - showing a real lack of quality in the final third.

Despite spending heavy during the summer, under Dyche route one football and crosses from wide positions don't appear to be playing to their strengths - and worryingly there appears to be no plan B either.

Forest need to change their strategy if they are to avoid relegation come May if West Ham start picking up points.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest H2H

Aston Villa won this fixture 2-1 last campaign, their third win in a row against Forest in front of their own fans. In fact, you have to go all the way back to 1994 the last time the Reds won at Villa Park.

The only point they have taken from their last five visits was an emphatic 5-5 draw back in 2018 when both teams were in the Championship.

Our Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting tip

With Aston Villa on a mission this season to challenge for the title and Nottingham Forest struggling on their travels, the hosts are deservedly favourites to come out on top.

Nathan Joyes has analysed the Premier League betting for this match and has put forward his best pick.

Villa to chop down Forest

Aston Villa (5/6 with Betfred) will be desperate to get back to winning ways - and they have an ideal opponent next to make it 12 wins from their last 13 matches.

Forest (7/2 with Betano) were incredibly poor against Everton at the City Ground midweek. Dyche failed to get the best out of his players - and not for the first time, either. The former Everton manager may have had a solid initial spell at his new club but the honeymoon period is well and truly over.

There's no doubt that Forest have serious talent within their squad, but under Dyche and his old-school style, several new faces are struggling to adapt to the long balls.

And this is where Villa can take advantage. Their midweek defeat was heavy - but there's different levels in the Premier League and Forest head to Villa Park lacking confidence and goals. A home win looks a very enticing price.

TIP: Aston Villa to win at 5/6 with BetMGM.

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