Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa – Europa League Semi-Final, First Leg Preview

An all-English European tie always carries extra weight, and this meeting between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa feels particularly finely poised.

With both sides enjoying strong seasons and eyeing a place in the final, the first leg on Thursday at the City Ground could prove pivotal.

There is a blend of history and momentum on both sides. Forest are competing in their first European semi-final since 1984, drawing on memories of their famous European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980. Villa, meanwhile, are chasing a first European final since lifting the same trophy in 1982, and under Unai Emery have built a reputation as one of Europe’s best knockout teams.

Recent form suggests this will be anything but one-sided. Forest arrive on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including a dominant 5-0 victory over Sunderland most recently. Villa’s form has been slightly more inconsistent, highlighted by a defeat at Fulham last time out, but they remain firmly on course for Champions League qualification and have impressed throughout their European campaign.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been in outstanding form for Forest, with five Premier League goals in his last five games and a growing influence in Europe. Despite his quiet start to this season, Villa will look to Ollie Watkins, who has scored three goals in his last two Europa League away matches and remains a constant threat.

Midfield could ultimately decide the outcome, particularly from Villa’s perspective. Emery’s side have struggled for rhythm in 2026 due to injuries, with Amadou Onana once again a doubt. The Villa boss confirmed the Belgian will be assessed late after a knee issue, and his availability could be crucial given the continued absence of Boubacar Kamara. Forest, by contrast, have found greater stability in this area, though they too are dealing with defensive absentees that could test their depth with Jair Cunha and Murillo unlikely to feature.

Both teams have taken impressive routes to the semi-finals. Forest navigated past Fenerbahce, Midtjylland and FC Porto, while Villa saw off LOSC Lille and Bologna with relative ease. Those runs underline why both sides believe they can go all the way.

While Aston Villa are comfortable in their push for Champions League qualification, sitting well clear of the chasing pack, Nottingham Forest are still juggling the pressure of a Premier League relegation battle. With just a handful of games remaining and a narrow cushion above the bottom three, Forest must carefully manage their priorities.

There is little to separate them based on recent meetings. Villa claimed a 3-1 win at Villa Park earlier this year, while the reverse fixture at the City Ground ended in a 1-1 draw. Forest will take confidence from a strong home record in this fixture, while Villa will believe their European experience under Emery gives them an edge across two legs.

With Sporting Braga or SC Freiburg awaiting in the final, both teams know they’ll go into the final as favourites if they’re to progress.