Premier League Betting Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest, currently two points above the relegation zone, clash with fourth-placed Aston Villa at City Ground, with kick-off set for 06:00 on Sunday 12 April.
Get Under 2.5 as the Value Bet
We can’t resist the opportunity to back Under 2.5 when Nottingham Forest go up against Aston Villa. The Total Goals market provides the opportunity to take a price of -111 and we anticipate a return here.
Villa Came Out on Top in Last H2H Clash
Nottingham Forest got the win in their last Premier League game. It was a 3-0 away triumph at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when meeting Tottenham. Vitor Pereira’s men had 42% of possession and seven shots on target, with Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi scoring one goal apiece.
Three days ago, Forest drew 1-1 away to Porto in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Aston Villa have lost back-to-back Premier League matches on their travels. In their previous league game, it was a 2-0 home victory over West Ham United at Villa Park. The Villans recorded 59% possession and had seven shots on goal, while John McGinn and Ollie Watkins found the net.
On Thursday night, Villa triumphed 3-1 away to Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Villa have claimed consecutive victories over Forest, winning by 3-1 and 2-1 scorelines when hosting at Villa Park. The 8 H2H meetings most recently played have included five Villa victories, one draw and two triumphs for Forest.
Nottingham Forest – Last 10 League Games
Forest have 2 wins, 3 losses and 5 draws, averaging 1.0 goals from 3.8 shots on goal and 13.5 attempts. The Tricky Trees have averaged 42.4% possession, 362.9 passes and 5.2 corners per match, with the opposition scoring 0.9 goals from 3.6 shots on goal, 12.2 attempts and 5.8 corners.
Morgan Gibbs-White leads the way with 4 goals, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Igor Jesus scoring 2 each. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Neco Williams and Igor Jesus have the most assists with 2, while goalie Matz Sels has recorded 4 clean sheets.
Aston Villa – Last 10 League Games
Villa have won 3, lost 5 and drawn 2, with an average of 15.1 attempts, 4.5 shots on goal and 0.9 goals. The Birmingham team average 54.8% possession, 462.4 passes, 6.1 corners awarded and 4.9 corners against them, while 1.3 goals have been conceded from 4.1 shots on goal and 12.0 attempts.
Ollie Watkins is top of the team’s scoring charts with 2, while John McGinn, Ross Barkley, Douglas Luiz and Tammy Abraham have 1. Jadon Sancho has had 2 assists in the previous 10 games, while Emiliano Martinez has 3 clean sheets to his name.
Predicted & Confirmed Lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Matz Sels (GK), Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams, Ibrahim Sangare, Elliot Anderson, Omari Hutchinson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus.
Aston Villa predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez (GK), Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendia, Ollie Watkins.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tips
Step into Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa with confidence as we bring you our main match prediction, projected scoreline, key corners betting angle, best player prop picks and a custom-built bet builder.
Match Prediction
We don’t think there will be too many goals in this Premier League encounter. The price of -111 for Under 2.5 really stands out and we can place this wager with a large slice of confidence.
Our team of experts monitor the current Premier League injuries and suspensions. When integrated with the latest form, this helps us secure the value odds. Our data-led approach backed up by key stats always proves useful.
Key Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa league stats:
The 2.5 line hasn’t been covered in the last 6 Forest games at home.The 2.5 line hasn’t been covered in 7 of the last 10 Forest games at home.The 2.5 line hasn’t been covered in 12 of the last 20 Forest games at home.The 2.5 line hasn’t been covered in 8 of the last 10 Villa games.The 2.5 line hasn’t been covered in 4 of the last 5 Villa games on the road.
Under 2.5 Probability
Based on the latest odds from the top bookmakers, our pick carries a 52.6% chance of winning. However, our tipsters research has found that the actual probability is closer to 60%. That means we’re regarding it as a value bet.
Looking for Bigger Odds?
If you’re in search of a larger price and anticipate things being tight, then it might be worth looking at Under 1.5 Goals, with less than two goals needing to be scored overall.
Why bet empty-handed? Check our up-to-date guide for the latest sign-up promos, welcome bonuses and betting offers.
Our Match Prediction
Bet Now
Thrill Promo
70% Rakeback + 10% Cashback
Get Bonus
T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (Apr 10, 12:27). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 12:27, 10 April 2026
Player Prop Picks
Ollie Watkins (Villa) has had over 2.5 shots in six of his past ten Premier League games on the road. We’re expecting him to produce a high level of performance and cover the Player Shots line, with odds of +104 on offer.
Latest Ollie Watkins Player Prop Odds
Goalscorer
Shots
Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest) has racked up three goals in his past five Premier League matches. We think there’s value in backing him for an Anytime Goalscorer prop bet at +210 which will hopefully see him find the net.
Latest Morgan Gibbs-White Player Prop Odds
Goalscorer
Shots
Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Odds
The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.
Tight Affair Likely According to the Bookies
The bookies have priced up the Full-Time Result betting odds and Nottingham Forest are +155 to land a Premier League victory, while Aston Villa are +175 to win. The draw is trading at +240 should you think the clash will end all square.
If you think Forest can overcome Villa, then there’s an Asian Handicap option where the former are +118 with a -0.25 deficit. There’s half your money back in the event of a draw.
Under and Over 2.5 Goals backers are able to get similar odds on the Total Goals market. For those expecting both sides to find the net, Both Teams to Score Yes is available at -154.
The best football betting sites are on hand to provide lots of choice to bettors. It’s now the case that you can select from hundreds of markets for all of the Premier League matches.
Full-Time Result
Half-Time Result
Double Chance
Draw No Bet
Asian Handicap
Total Goals
Both Teams to Score
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz Top of First Goalscorer List
You will find favourite Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz at +550 to be First Goalscorer and there’s also the chance to get +210 that he finds the net any time.
Player Goals
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz (Forest)
Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest)
Ollie Watkins (Villa)
Morgan Rogers (Villa)
Player Shots
Igor Jesus Maciel da Cruz (Forest)
Morgan Gibbs-White (Forest)
Ollie Watkins (Villa)
Morgan Rogers (Villa)
Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
City Ground
Forest Searching For Improved Results at Home
Nottingham Forest have not triumphed at City Ground in six straight matches. The Tricky Trees have clocked up five losses, four draws and one win in the past 10 home games, recording an average of 0.70 goals per match and conceding 0.90.
Aston Villa haven’t tasted victory in three consecutive matches on the road. The Villans have racked up five wins, three defeats and two draws in the last 10 away matches, scoring an average of 1.60 goals per game and conceding 1.70.
The previous City Ground encounter involved a 2-1 Forest win against Villa. The past 4 H2H meetings at City Ground have involved two Forest victories, a single draw and one Villa win.
Nottingham Forest Home Stats
1-4-5
1.60
0.70
0.90
3
7
3
7
Aston Villa Away Stats
5-2-3
3.30
1.60
1.70
6
4
7
3
W-D-L = Wins-Draws-Losses
G = Avg. Goals
GF = Avg. Goals For
GA = Avg. Goals Against
O2.5 = Matches Over 2.5 Goals
U2.5 = Matches Under 2.5 Goals
B-Y = Matches BTTS Yes
B-No = Matches BTTS No
Expert Analysis by Charlie Wilson
Editor-in-Chief & Senior English Football Analyst
About the Analyst
Charlie Wilson is the Editor-in-Chief with over 15 years of experience as a sports journalist and former odds compiler. He leads our football analysis team and heads the Football Editorial Betting Panel with a primary focus on the Premier League and top European competitions.
Premier League Predictions Methodology
Our Premier League match previews and predictions combine team news, injuries and predicted lineups with form, standings and performance. We also use metrics such as xG, xGA, xA and PPDA alongside odds movement to assess chance quality, defensive strength and pressing intensity in the English top flight.
Full Methodology & Data Sources
Where to Bet
The betting site referenced has been independently reviewed under our published review methodology, which evaluates odds and market depth, licensing and security, payment processes, withdrawal reliability, responsible gambling tools and additional platform criteria relevant to user experience and regulatory standards.
Read our Thrill Analyst Review
Transparency & Safety
This preview was last updated on Apr 10, 23:10 to reflect the latest team news, injury reports, predicted and confirmed lineups, advanced performance metrics and market movement.
All analysis is produced by professional analysts and reviewed by our Football Editorial Betting Panel for accuracy and consistency.
Historical performance for our main match predictions is tracked and updated regularly for transparency.
Important: Betting should be treated as entertainment and involves risk. Past results are not indicative of future performance. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
18+ (or legal age). If gambling is causing harm or distress, support is available. Visit our Gamble Responsibly hub for safer gambling tools, self-exclusion options and local helplines.