Aston Villa - Nottingham Forest FC ai prediction 03.01.2026 Premier League

Preview for Match: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

As the Premier League enters its 20th matchday, Aston Villa hosts Nottingham Forest in what promises to be an intriguing encounter at Villa Park. Scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 13:30, this match sees two teams with contrasting fortunes come face-to-face. Aston Villa, under the astute management of Unai Emery, find themselves in a commanding position, sitting third in the league table with 39 points. Their impressive record of 12 wins, 3 draws, and only 3 defeats underscores their strong campaign, bolstered by a commendable goal difference of 29:19.

Conversely, Nottingham Forest, managed by Sean Dyche, are battling to steer clear of the relegation zone. Currently positioned 17th with 18 points, the team has struggled to find consistency. With only 5 wins, 3 draws, and 10 losses, they have a negative goal difference of 18:28. The pressure mounts for Forest as they attempt to secure vital points in their quest for Premier League survival.

The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 2:1 victory for Aston Villa, further highlighting their recent dominance in head-to-head encounters. Historically, Aston Villa has fared better in their last five clashes, winning three times compared to Nottingham Forest's two victories.

Our Betting Tip for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Our betting prediction for this encounter is a home win for Aston Villa. Given their current form and home record, Unai Emery’s side looks well-positioned to capitalize on their strengths against a struggling Nottingham Forest. The Midlands club has been formidable at Villa Park, securing 7 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 defeat this season.

Additionally, we believe that both teams will find the net, making "Both teams score? Yes" a viable secondary betting option. Nottingham Forest will be eager to break their scoring drought and exploit any defensive lapses from Aston Villa.

Our tips

Total Goals

Over 2.5

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Aston Villa's last 5 matches.

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Nottingham Forest's last 5 matches.

Top odds at 1xBet

Handicap 0-1

Draw

Aston Villa have won by exactly 1 goals 4 of their last 5 matches.

Nottingham Forest have lost by exactly 1 goals 2 of their last 5 matches.

Top odds at bet365

Double Chance

12

Aston Villa have won or lost 5 of their last 5 matches.

Nottingham Forest have won or lost 5 of their last 5 matches.

Top odds at 1xBet

AI Prediction for the Match Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

Based on data analysis and current form, our AI prediction suggests a 2:1 victory for Aston Villa. The AI tip favors Villa's home advantage and superior league standing, indicating a strong likelihood of a win for the hosts. The AI betting tip also supports the prediction of both teams scoring, given the offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities observed in both squads.

Aston Villa Performance Check

Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, have demonstrated exceptional form, particularly in their recent fixtures. With 4 wins out of their last 5 matches in all competitions, the team has shown resilience and tactical prowess. Despite their recent setback, a 1:4 defeat against Arsenal, Villa's overall trajectory remains positive. Emery's strategic acumen and ability to motivate his squad have been instrumental in their successful campaign.

How is the Current Performance of Nottingham Forest?

Nottingham Forest, led by Sean Dyche, have faced a challenging season thus far. With only 2 victories in their last 5 matches, the team is grappling with consistency issues. Their recent 0:2 home loss to Everton further compounds their struggle to gain momentum. Dyche's experience will be crucial as he attempts to galvanize his squad and secure valuable points in the battle against relegation.

Last Direct Match

In the last direct encounter between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, Villa secured a narrow 2:1 victory. This result reflects their recent dominance over Forest, as they continue to assert their superiority in these encounters.

Head-to-head Last Direct Meetings

Over the last five meetings in all competitions, Aston Villa has emerged victorious three times, while Nottingham Forest has won twice. This history suggests a competitive rivalry, although Villa's recent form gives them the edge in this upcoming clash.

Performance Last 5 Matches

Aston Villa's recent performance has been commendable, with 4 wins and 1 defeat in their last 5 matches. On the other hand, Nottingham Forest has managed 2 wins and suffered 3 defeats, highlighting their struggle for consistency.

Performance

Aston Villa

Last games

Aston Villa performance of the last 5 home matches

Victories

100%

Over 2.5

80%

Nottingham Forest

Last games

Nottingham Forest performance of the last 5 away matches

Victories

60%

Over 2.5

60%

Last Match Results: Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest

In their previous fixtures, Aston Villa faced a challenging away match against Arsenal, resulting in a 1:4 defeat. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest succumbed to a 0:2 home loss against Everton, adding to their woes as they seek to improve their league standing.

Best Odds and Our Betting Tip

For those looking to place bets, the best odds for a home win (Tip 1) are available at Betika with an odd of 1.89. If you prefer betting on both teams to score, Gbets offers odds of 1.75 for "Both teams score: Yes." As always, we recommend exploring the best betting sites in our bookmaker comparison to ensure you get the most favorable terms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aston Villa is the clear favorite in this matchup against Nottingham Forest. Their superior form, home advantage, and recent head-to-head record all point towards a likely victory for Unai Emery's side. However, Nottingham Forest will be desperate to defy the odds and secure a much-needed result.

Here are tomorrow's betting tips for those interested in planning ahead. If you're in search of a new and reliable bookmaker, consider registering with Paripesa and take advantage of their welcome bonus.