Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are preparing for one of the biggest all-English European nights of the season, with a place in the UEFA Europa League final on the line. Forest travel to Villa Park carrying a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead, but this semi-final is far from finished.
The second leg takes place at Villa Park, Birmingham, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with kick-off listed at 21:00 CET. The winner will move on to the Europa League final in Istanbul on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Forest earned their advantage in the first leg through Chris Wood’s second-half penalty, after Lucas Digne was penalised for handball. That single moment has changed the mood of the tie. Villa now know they must score at home, while Forest know they are just one disciplined performance away from a major European final.
Villa Need a Big Response
For Aston Villa, this is a night that demands courage, patience and control. A 1-0 first-leg defeat is not a disaster, but it leaves no room for a slow start. Unai Emery’s side must attack with purpose without losing their shape, because one Forest goal would make the task much harder.
Villa have reason to believe. Their European home form has been excellent, with UEFA noting that they have won their last nine European home matches. They also beat Forest 3-1 at Villa Park in January, proof that they can hurt this opponent in front of their own supporters.
Emery’s experience in European knockout football could be vital. He understands how to manage pressure, momentum and difficult second legs. Villa do not need to win the match in the first 10 minutes. They need to stay calm, move the ball quickly, create chances for Ollie Watkins and avoid leaving open spaces for Forest to counter.
Forest Arrive With Belief
Nottingham Forest may be the away side, but they will not arrive at Villa Park feeling weak. They have the lead, the momentum and a clear plan. Under Vítor Pereira, Forest have become more resilient, more organised and more dangerous in transition.
UEFA’s preview highlighted Forest’s strong recent form, listing them as unbeaten across a long run and coming into the match after a 3-1 win away to Chelsea. That kind of confidence matters in a semi-final.
Forest’s first-leg performance showed discipline and bravery. They did not simply sit back. They created chances, pressed well and forced Villa into uncomfortable moments. Chris Wood’s penalty gave them the lead, but the performance itself proved they can compete with Villa over 180 minutes.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Aston Villa are expected to have John McGinn available, which is a major boost for their midfield energy and leadership. However, Amadou Onana misses out, according to Villa’s own team news update.
UEFA’s possible Aston Villa lineup is:
Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendía; Watkins.
UEFA’s possible Nottingham Forest lineup is:
Ortega; Aina, Milenković, Morato, Williams; Hutchinson, Domínguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Igor Jesus; Wood.
The key names are easy to see. For Villa, Watkins must be sharp in the box, Morgan Rogers must carry the ball with confidence, and Tielemans must control the rhythm. For Forest, Wood gives them a direct threat, Morgan Gibbs-White can create moments between the lines, and their back line must survive heavy pressure at Villa Park.
Key Battle: Villa Pressure vs Forest Counterattack
This match could be decided by how well Villa balances attack and defence. They must chase the game, but they cannot become reckless. Forest will expect Villa to push forward, and that could create space behind the full-backs.
If Villa score first, the atmosphere changes completely. The tie becomes level, the crowd becomes louder, and Forest may have to come out of their defensive shape. But if Forest scores first, Villa would need at least three goals to win the tie without penalties.
That is why the opening goal is massive.
Prediction
This should be tense, emotional and tactical. Villa have the home advantage and the European experience of Emery, but Forest have the aggregate lead and the confidence of a team that believes it is writing a special story.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Aggregate: 2-2
Possible outcome: Extra time or penalties