Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest prediction 03.01.2026 | Premier League

That eleven-game winning run had to end somewhere. Villa kept things neat for 45 minutes against Arsenal, then lost control. Four goals conceded in the second half made it a harsh lesson, but not an unfamiliar one. Even during the winning streak, Unai Emery’s side managed only three clean sheets. Defensive details still need work.

Villa Park remains a huge comfort, though. Ten straight home wins in the league is no small feat and gives the crowd real belief. Ollie Watkins scored again against the Gunners, taking his league tally to six, and should link up once more with top scorer Morgan Rogers. That pairing has become the heartbeat of Villa’s attack.

Amadou Onana is a concern after going off at half-time in midweek. Tyrone Mings remains out with a thigh injury, now 14 games missed, but there are no suspensions to navigate.

Amadou Onana is a doubt after  leaving the pitch at half time at the Emirates last time due to injury. Tyrone Mings has missed the last 14 games due to a thigh problem and Saturday’s game comes too soon for the centreback.

Forest arrive under pressure. Three straight defeats against Fulham, Manchester City, and Everton have dragged the Reds toward trouble. The loss to City brought frustration with officiating, but Everton exposed deeper issues. Sean Dyche did not shy away from that, openly calling for more from his players.

Away form does little to calm nerves. Successive road losses to Brighton and Fulham underline the problem, even if recent trips to Molineux and Anfield offer some context. Morgan Gibbs-White will retain the number 10 role and remains Forest’s main threat, already on ten league goals and assists.

Chris Wood is still sidelined with a knee injury, so Jesus is set to lead the line again. Ola Aina, Ryan Yates, and Dan Ndoye are also nursing knocks, which leaves Forest stretched at a difficult venue.