Aston Villa prepare to welcome Nottingham Forest to Villa Park this afternoon in a Premier League encounter with contrasting implications for both sides. The hosts, flying high in third place, will be strong favourites against a Forest side languishing just four points above the relegation zone.
Form Guide and Recent Setbacks
Both teams head into this early Saturday kick-off looking to bounce back from defeats last time out. Aston Villa suffered a heavy 4-1 loss away to league leaders Arsenal, a result that highlighted the gap to the very top but did little to dampen their outstanding season. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Everton, a result that increased the pressure on their fight for survival.
The Villa Park Fortress
The task for Forest appears monumental, given Villa's phenomenal record at home. Under manager Unai Emery, Villa Park has become a fortress, with the club boasting one of the best home records in European football this season. Their dominance has been a key factor in achieving a remarkable club-record 36 wins across all competitions during the current campaign.
Sean Dyche's Forest side will need to be resilient and organised to have any chance of disrupting Villa's rhythm and taking points back to the City Ground. The question on everyone's lips is whether the new year can bring a new story for the struggling visitors.
Team News and Kick-Off
The all-important team news from both camps is expected shortly before the match gets underway at 12.30pm GMT. All eyes will be on Villa's selection as they aim to immediately return to winning ways and consolidate their position in the top four, while Forest desperately seek a result to ease their relegation fears.
