Sabasports Match Preview
Premier League: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Kickoff Time: 2026-01-03 20:30 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Aston Villa’s winning streak was ended by Arsenal, but they currently lead fifth-placed Chelsea by nine points and remain strong contenders for next season’s Champions League qualification. In this match, the team welcomes back right-back Matty Cash and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara. Both players missed the top-of-the-table clash against Arsenal due to suspension from accumulated yellow cards, which was a significant factor in Villa’s 1-4 defeat. In Unai Emery’s tactical system, both players play crucial roles. Cash excels at using speed and technique to break through, frequently advancing and providing assists on the flanks; Kamara focuses on interceptions, tackles, and defensive coverage in midfield. Kamara’s presence limits opponents’ wing attacks, providing defensive support for Cash’s forward runs. This season, Villa has the third-highest home scoring rate in the league. The last time they lost at home was back in early September of last year, and they have maintained a remarkable ten-match home winning streak across all competitions. Even strong teams like Manchester City and Arsenal have left Villa Park with no points.
Nottingham Forest has been struggling lately, earning only three points in their last five league matches, failing to win against relegation rivals like Everton and Fulham. Currently, Forest is four points ahead of the relegation zone, putting them under pressure to avoid dropping down. Recently, the team has been affected by call-ups for the Africa Cup of Nations and injuries, with key players like Ibrahim Sangaré and Chris Wood unable to participate. In their last match, the team registered 21 shots but failed to score, indicating their attack is not at its best. Overall, Nottingham Forest has had poor away performance this season, failing to score in five of their nine away matches, netting only six goals on the road, the third-lowest in the league. On December 30, data site OPTA reported that Nottingham Forest conceded 12 goals from set pieces in the first 18 matches of the 2025-26 season, tying with Liverpool and Bournemouth for the most. Clearly, Nottingham Forest has defensive weaknesses.
This is Aston Villa’s first home match of 2026. With the support of home fans, players find it easier to enter the game with a positive mindset and clear goals, enhancing their focus and determination. Facing a Nottingham Forest team with an incomplete lineup and defensive shortcomings, Villa is unlikely to miss the opportunity to start the new year with a victory.
Aston Villa’s Last 5 Games: LWWWW
25-12-31 Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
25-12-28 Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
25-12-22 Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
25-12-14 West Ham United 2-3 Aston Villa
25-12-12 FC Basel 1-2 Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest’s Last 5 Games: LLLWW
25-12-31 Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton
25-12-27 Nottingham Forest 1-2 Manchester City
25-12-23 Fulham 1-0 Nottingham Forest
25-12-14 Nottingham Forest 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur
25-12-12 FC Utrecht 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Head-to-Head Record
25-04-06 Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
24-12-15 Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa
24-02-24 Aston Villa 4-2 Nottingham Forest
23-11-05 Nottingham Forest 2-0 Aston Villa
23-04-08 Aston Villa 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Prediction: Aston Villa to win at home.