Predictions & Statistics

Nottingham Forest enter this tie with a season profile built on 14 points from 8 matches, placing them 13 in their league. Their record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats with goals at 15:7 reflects good form over their recent run. Much of their attacking weight falls on Igor Jesus (7 goals), Morgan Gibbs-White (3 goals), Ryan Yates (3 goals), with creative support from Morgan Gibbs-White (3 assists), Ryan Yates (3 assists), Igor Jesus (1 assists), while defensively they have appeared very solid. At home, the return of 3 wins, 0 draws, and 1 losses suggests a fairly balanced split record. They are operating from a relatively stable mid-table position. Their broader football identity still points toward balanced attacking football. They are not at full strength, with W. Boly, T. Awoniyi, Cunha unavailable, although the overall attacking core still looks largely intact.

Aston Villa come into this tie placed 2 in their league with 21 points from 8 matches. The return of 7 wins, 0 draws, and 1 defeats, together with a 14:6 goal balance, points toward very strong form and are on a winning streak. Their attacking influence is driven by D. Malen (4 goals), O. Watkins (4 goals), J. McGinn (3 goals), with creative support from E. Buendia (4 assists), Morgan Rogers (3 assists), Y. Tielemans (3 assists), and at the back they have looked very solid. Away from home, the return of 3 wins, 0 draws, and 1 losses suggests a fairly balanced split record. They are competing near the top and remain under pressure to hold that position. Their broader football identity still points toward balanced attacking football. They are not at full strength, with Alysson, B. Kamara, B. Madjo unavailable, although the overall attacking core still looks largely intact.