Aston Villa Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Aston Villa Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest: Team News, Injuries and Selection Calls

Aston Villa go into the Nottingham Forest game looking for back-to-back wins after seeing off Club Brugge in midweek. That matters. Momentum early in a season can shape the mood around a squad very quickly, and Unai Emery will want a cleaner, sharper league display at home.

There are already a few selection issues to deal with. Brian Madjo and Leon Goretzka are out injured, while Joao Gomes serves the final match of his three-game league suspension after his dismissal for violent conduct on the opening weekend. That leaves a gap in midfield and narrows Emery’s options.

Aston Villa injury news

Matty Cash missed the Brugge win because of muscle soreness, and his fitness remains one of the key calls ahead of kick-off. Emery is expected to clarify that situation in his press conference. If Cash is unavailable again, Villa may keep faith with the same back line that did the job in Europe.

Zion Suzuki should continue in goal, with a defence likely to feature Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen. It is a back four with mobility, recovery pace and enough composure on the ball, even if it still looks like a unit learning each other’s habits.

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Unai Emery midfield decision

With Gomes unavailable, Ross Barkley looks the obvious replacement. He is expected to come in alongside Boubacar Kamara in the double pivot. It is a different profile. Barkley gives Villa more carry and more ambition in possession, though less edge without the ball.

Further forward, John McGinn, Emi Buendia and George Hemmings are expected to operate behind Nicolas Jackson. That setup gives Villa energy, movement and runners around the central striker. Jackson will want better service and, bluntly, Villa need more from him in the box.

Predicted Villa XI vs Nottingham Forest

Suzuki; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Barkley; McGinn, Buendia, Hemmings; Jackson.

There is no mystery here. Villa have a few absentees, one suspension and one late fitness concern. Even so, the likely shape is clear, and Emery will expect three points.