Aston Villa 1-2 Nottingham Forest: result and AI prediction

Aston Villa – Nottingham Forest, Premier League, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 03:00 PM (GMT). Venue: Villa Park

Aston Villa is #17 in the table (1 pts) and Nottingham Forest #16 (2 pts). Aston Villa has not won any of its last 5 matches. Nottingham Forest has not won any of its last 5 matches. Last 6 head-to-head meetings: Aston Villa 3, draws 1, Nottingham Forest 2. Their last meeting, on May 7, 2026, ended Aston Villa 4-0 Nottingham Forest. Absent for Aston Villa: L. Goretzka, Joao Gomes, B. Madjo +2.

Aston Villa

Final score1 - 2

Nottingham Forest

AI predicted: 2-1 · Final score: 1-2Missed

AI confidence: Medium

AI match recap

Villa return to Villa Park with renewed belief after their European result, but they still need to transfer that attacking sharpness into the league. Forest have been hard to beat without finding much fluency in front of goal, and their wing-back system is built to make the central areas congested. Villa's recent home record in this fixture matters, yet their depleted midfield and midweek exertion leave the contest finely balanced. The most decisive phase should be the battle between Villa's wide combinations and Forest's transition threat through Gibbs-White and Delap.

Head-to-head analysis

Recent meetings strongly favour Villa at Villa Park, while the sides also split their latest European semi-final with each home team winning its own leg. Forest have shown they can make this matchup awkward away from Birmingham, but Villa's home pattern is the more relevant guide.

Injuries and absences

Villa's confirmed midfield absences are the clearest structural blow: Gomes' suspension removes a pressing and transition option, while Onana and Goretzka reduce cover. Forest are comparatively intact, although Savona is unavailable and Sangare's readiness will determine their midfield depth.

Form (last 5)

Aston VillaLeague position #17 · 1 ptsL L D

Nottingham ForestLeague position #16 · 2 ptsL D D

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest stats

	Aston Villa	Nottingham Forest
Played	3	3
Goals scored	0	2
Goals conceded	5	3
Clean sheets	1	1

Last meetings

2026-05-07Aston Villa 4-0 Nottingham Forest
2026-04-30Nottingham Forest 1-0 Aston Villa
2026-04-12Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa
2026-01-03Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest
2025-04-05Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
2024-12-14Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

Unavailable players