Nottingham Forest host Aston Villa at the City Ground on Thursday night in a first leg of the crunch Europa League semi final clash.Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa best betsTammy Abraham to score anytime – 15/8 with BOYLE SportsMorgan Gibbs-White to score or assist – 3/2 with ToteBoth teams to score – Yes – 8/11 with BOYLE SportsBet Builder; Abraham to score anytime, Gibbs-White score or assist, BTTS, Forest to win either half – 9/1 with BetfredSouthampton v Ipswich betting tips, predictions, team news, how to watchNottingham Forest vs Aston Villa head to head overviewDate: Thursday 28 April 2026Kick-off: 8pmVenue: City Ground, Nottingham, UKHow to watch: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, HBO MaxReferee: João PinheiroLast meeting: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa (April 12th, 2026, PL)Last 10 league matches: Nottm Forest – 2 wins; Aston Villa – 5 wins; Draws – 4Favourite to win: Nottingham Forest – 29/20 with ToteNottingham Forest vs Aston Villa predicted lineupsNottm Forest (4-3-1-2): Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Hutchinson, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Wood, JesusAston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; WatkinsNottingham Forest vs Aston Villa predictionBoth Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are steeped in past European history having won the European Cup (Champions League) three times between them.But this will be first time two British sides have met in the Europa League in front of crowds since the 2019 final between Chelsea and Arsenal.Villa still haven’t confirmed Champions League football through the league, having gone down 1-0 to Fulham on Saturday. While Forest will come bouncing into the game having thrashed Sunderland 5-0 last Friday night.They are now unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions (W5, D2) and will take on Villa on the back of a three-match winning streak.However, getting the better of Villa will be a huge task for Forest, considering they’ve already failed to do so in two Premier League attempts this season (D1, L1).They’ve also won just one of their last five meetings with Villa (D1, L3), so they’ll have to repeat that exceptional performance against Sunderland to stand any chance.Villa also have another trump card up their sleeve. Unai Emery is the most successful manager in the history of the competition, winning the trophy four times (three with Sevilla and once with Villarreal). In key injury news, Amadou Onana is a real doubt for the Villans having pulled up with a knee-injury in the build-up to the defeat against Fulham.They will also be without midfielder Boubacar Kamara too.Nottingham Forest’s Calum Hudson-Odoi is out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. So boss Vitor Pereira will decide between Dan Ndoye or Omari Hutchinson to start the match.Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa tipsTammy finds solution to Tricky TreesTammy Abraham may have spent a couple of seasons outside of England but he’s Forest’s biggest kryptonite.The English forward has played against Forest five times in his career and scored five goals in that time. And only lost on one occasion when he’s found the back of the net against Villa’s next opponents.Abraham has been restricted to just one Premier League start since joining in January. But does offer the option of a real dynamic shift if manager Unai Emery opts against fielding Ollie Watkins.All Gibbs-White on the nightWhen Nottingham Forest needed a hero this season, Morgan Gibbs-White has masked up and saved the day.The attacking midfielder has scored in the draw against Man City, the big win against Tottenham and a hat-trick against Burnley, when his side were 1-0 down and their backs against the wall.He’s the man for the big occasion, and they don’t come much bigger than this under the lights on home soil.Dirty laundryAston Villa have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches in all competitions. That included the 1-1 draw against Forest in the league just a few weeks ago.Unai Emery’s side have a big match against Tottenham on Sunday night, so may shuffle the pack defensively which could stifle team chemistry.Forest haven’t lost in eight matches but have been leaky at the back this season too.With both sides scrapping for a first European cup final in a generation. Backing BTTS could well be the way to go.Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa latest oddsFind the latest Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa betting odds here, odds courtesy of Tote and are subject to change.Nottm Forest – 29/20Draw – 23/10Aston Villa – 9/5Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa Price BoostsAston Villa win and over 2.5 goals (was 11/4) NOW 3/1 Boyle SportsMore predictionsFind more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the Premier League, Champions League, Championship, League One and more!Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Free Bet OffersSee all the best free bets and betting offers available in the UK over at our dedicated pageSee all free bets18+ gambleaware.org. T&Cs apply