Nottingham Forest’s return to Villa Park should bring back good memories for Aston Villa, but Saturday’s meeting arrives at a much less comfortable moment.
Forest’s last visit ended in a crushing four-goal defeat in the Europa League semi-finals last term, and that victory sent Unai Emery’s side through to the final, showing how dangerous Villa can be when the home crowd is fully behind them.
This time, both clubs are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season.
Villa have taken one point from matches against Brighton, Arsenal and Hull City without scoring, while Forest have collected two points after losing to Leeds and drawing with Liverpool and Tottenham.
Oliver Glasner is also waiting for his first win since taking charge, while Emery’s side at least returned from Belgium with a badly needed boost.
|
Club Brugge 2-3 Aston Villa |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match stat |
Club Brugge |
Aston Villa |
|
Possession |
64% |
36% |
|
Total shots |
14 |
21 |
|
Shots on target |
7 |
9 |
|
Expected goals (xG) |
1.46 |
3.00 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
4 |
|
Corners |
4 |
5 |
|
Completed passes |
532 |
281 |
|
Pass accuracy |
88% |
83% |
|
Duels won |
53 |
50 |
|
Goalkeeper saves |
5 |
5 |
|
Fouls committed |
17 |
14 |
First half goals from John McGinn, Emi Buendia and Nicolas Jackson earned Villa a Champions League victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Villa faded after the break, but their first half display was much closer to the level expected from this rebuilt squad.
The challenge now is to carry that attacking confidence into the league.
Jackson opened his Villa account in Bruges and looked comfortable running into space, while Tammy Abraham gives Emery a more familiar penalty box presence from the bench.
Forest will provide a different problem.
Glasner’s side are comfortable using three central defenders and will try to release Morgan Gibbs White and James McAtee whenever Villa lose possession.
They were also unfortunate not to beat Tottenham last weekend, when Neco Williams had a goal ruled out during the second half of a goalless draw.
Villa should control more of the ball at home, but they cannot afford to become impatient, and an early goal would settle the crowd and force Forest to leave the defensive shape which frustrated Spurs.
Brian Madjo ruled out by Aston Villa
However, Emery will not be able to turn to Brian Madjo as another attacking option.
Aston Villa have now confirmed that the teenage striker remains sidelined and will miss the Forest clash, and that official update ends suggestions in some injury reports that he might be ready to return on Saturday.
The club did not provide a fresh date for his comeback, with Madjo joined by Leon Goretzka and Amadou Onana on the treatment table, while João Gomes must complete his three-match suspension.
Matty Cash and Johan Manzambi are doubts but will be assessed before the team is selected.
Madjo absence comes as blow for Villa
Madjo’s continued absence is disappointing because his first competitive appearance created such immediate excitement.
After a long registration battle, the £10 million January arrival from FC Metz was finally cleared to make his debut against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup.
The 17-year-old missed early chances but refused to disappear from the game, using his strength to hold off Willian Pacho before converting McGinn’s delivery and becoming the youngest scorer in Super Cup history.
John McGinn tips Madjo for ‘big’ Aston Villa role
McGinn was also convinced Villa had discovered a forward capable of helping the senior team immediately.
“He was absolutely fantastic,” the captain said.
McGinn added that Madjo kept finding dangerous areas after his early misses, before declaring: “He’s going to be a big player for us this season.”
Madjo offers power, speed and a serious physical presence which can trouble experienced defenders.
Villa still have two established centre forwards available, so Madjo’s absence won’t leave them short. However, supporters hoping to see the teenager return at Villa Park will have to wait beyond Saturday.