Nottingham Forest are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa.
Oliver Glasner’s side have picked up two points from their opening three league games and are still waiting for their first win. Nottingham Forest were held to a 0-0 draw by Tottenham in their last outing, while Aston Villa arrive after a midweek Champions League win over Club Brugge.
Oliver Glasner is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 shape he has used since taking charge.
Nottingham Forest predicted XI vs Aston Villa
GK – Matz Sels
Sels should continue between the posts after keeping a clean sheet against Tottenham last weekend.
DEF – Jair Cunha, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo
Jair Cunha is expected to keep his place on the right side of the back three, with Milenkovic and Murillo alongside him.
MID – Ola Aina, Xaver Schlager, James McAtee, Neco Williams
Ola Aina and Williams should provide the width from the wing-back positions. Schlager could start in the middle again, while McAtee has impressed in a deeper role under Glasner.
FWD – Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye, Liam Delap
Gibbs-White and Ndoye are likely to play behind Liam Delap, who could keep his place at the top of the attack.
Forest have now gone four matches without a win in all competitions, although they are unbeaten in their last two. Their last meeting with Villa ended badly, with Unai Emery’s side winning 4-0 in May.
The head-to-head between the two managers is interesting. Oliver Glasner has never lost to Emery, with five wins and two draws from their seven meetings.
Forest will need a much better display than their previous trip to Villa Park if they are to change their start to the season.
