Nottingham Forest defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous round of the English Premier League, taking full advantage of the opponents’ defensive errors.
At the same time, despite two conceded goals, Nuno Espírito Santo’s team played quite reliably. They allowed very few dangerous chances against themselves, particularly in the second half.
However, Forest have conceded 11 goals in their last five games, causing them to lose their status as one of the best defensive teams in the Premier League.
At the start of the season, Espírito Santo often instructed his players to defend in a medium-low block. However, in recent matches, Nottingham have increasingly used high pressing and opted for a medium-high block against their opponents.
This shift in strategy has led to players being less well-oriented during defensive phases, resulting in frequent positional mistakes.
This was especially evident in the first half against Manchester United, when Nottingham Forest tried to press, which led to several dangerous chances for their opponents.
But in the second part of the match, Espírito Santo’s team shifted to a low block defensive strategy, which improved their defensive performance. The best play for the Tricky Trees is a defensive, reactive style with fast vertical counterattacks.
Aston Villa created numerous dangerous chances against Southampton but scored only one goal. At the same time, Unai Emery’s team excelled defensively, preventing any significant threats to their goal.
On Tuesday, the Villans defeated Leipzig away in the Champions League and almost guaranteed their spot in the playoffs. Both teams created a large number of dangerous chances in that match, but the English club was stronger not only in realization, but in the overall quality of their attacks.
If it hadn’t been for some critical individual mistakes in defence, Aston Villa could have won against Leipzig more comfortably. Emiliano Martínez, Pau Torres and Diego Carlos, struggled under pressure and made simple mistakes that led to conceded goals in several situations.
In attack, the Villans once again had an outstanding performance from fullbacks Lucas Digne and Matty Cash, who rested for the season.
They made strong runs into the final third on the flanks, creating a series of dangerous chances. Cash was especially great; the players from the German club struggled to keep up with him that night.
Of course, we should mention Jhon Durán, who scored the winning goal against Southampton and the second goal against Leipzig. The Colombian again showed his ability to make the difference with some stunning shots.
Bet hereIn eight home games this season, Nottingham Forest have lost just twice: to Fulham and Newcastle. In both meetings, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side had opportunities to avoid defeat if their strikers had taken their chances more effectively.
Aston Villa have lost four consecutive away games but managed to break that streak against Leipzig. However, after an exhausting Champions League game against the German club, the Villans may lack the energy to secure three points at City Ground.
I believe the best option is for the home team not to lose.
Nottingham have scored goals in all home games this season, except for the game against Fulham. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have conceded goals in all their away games.
Therefore, considering Chris Wood’s excellent form and the other attacking players for Forest, we can expect the hosts to score at least one goal in this match.
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