The race for a Champions League spot in the Premier League continues on Saturday, as Aston Villa bid to pick up a second straight win. However, Nottingham Forest are also battling for points, as they look to avoid getting dragged into the relegation places.
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It is advantage Aston Villa at this stage of the season, as Unai Emery’s side moved back into the top four in the previous round of matches after picking up maximum points on the road against Fulham. That was a huge victory for the Villa, and it was a pivotal result following Tottenham’s defeat at home against Wolves.
It was a welcome return to form for the team from the West Midlands, as it was their second victory in three outings. The win also ended a run of two defeats in three matches in the competition. Ollie Watkins was the standout player for the Midlands side in that victory, as the striker netted twice. However, the Villa defended excellently in the closing stages to hang on to maximum points at Craven Cottage.
It has been a contrasting season for Nottingham Forest this term, as the East Midlands side sit toward the bottom of the standings after 25 rounds of fixtures. They currently only boast a four-point advantage over the bottom three places, and they come into this weekend after suffering three defeats in their last five.
However, a much-needed victory was picked up in their previous match, as they landed a 2-0 success at the City Ground against West Ham. Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring for Forest, before the points were secured in the closing stages by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Head to Head
Forest landed a 2-0 success in the reverse fixture between these sides in November, but that remains their only victory in seven previous encounters against the Villa cross all competitions. Villa have recorded two wins in their last three at home against Forest, which includes a 2-0 success in this exact fixture last term.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
Villa bounced back to winning ways at Fulham last weekend, but they will be hopeful of getting their home form back on track this weekend. Forest could cause issues on the counter-attack, meaning that the preference is for a home win with both teams to find the net.
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