Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Betting Tips | Premier League | Match Preview

The first Premier League weekend of 2026 kicks off with an intriguing lunchtime clash between high-flying Aston Villa and struggling Nottingham Forest.

Odds Now's football tipster Terry Foord weighs up the Villa Park showdown and offers up his best Premier League betting tips.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting preview – Saturday January 3rd 2026

Key Stats & Analysis

Aston Villa suffered their first defeat since November on Tuesday night, losing 4–1 at league leaders Arsenal.

That result brought an end to an impressive eight-match winning streak in the Premier League – a run that had lifted Villa up to third in the table and leaves them six points clear of fourth-placed Liverpool at the time of writing.

Unai Emery endured a difficult start to the season, with Villa winless after the opening five matches and picking up just three points from a possible 15. They also scored only once across that period. Much has changed since then, and Villa now find themselves with a genuine chance of securing Champions League football next season, continuing the club’s upward progression of recent years.

Nottingham Forest arrive after another setback, this time in the form of a 2–0 away defeat to Everton, extending their losing run to three matches.

Forest now sit 17th in the table, four points clear of West Ham. However, with the Hammers facing bottom-placed Wolves before a crucial six-pointer between the two sides, it’s shaping up to be a key fortnight for Sean Dyche’s men.

Away from home, Forest have recorded two wins from nine matches, alongside five defeats. Goals have been a major issue, with just six scored across those nine games. Their xG (expected goals) sits at just 0.69 per away match, while their xGA (expected goals against) is up at 1.70.

While home form will be vital to their fate, Forest also need to start picking up more points on their travels if they are to stay clear of trouble.

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings between these sides have been evenly matched, with two wins apiece across the last four encounters.

However, the home side has won the last five meetings overall, which bodes well for Aston Villa. Villa have also won the last three home fixtures in this matchup.
Both teams have scored in six of the last eight meetings between the sides.

Goals have been flowing for Villa recently too, with over 2.5 goals landing in each of their last six Premier League matches. Villa have also scored at least two goals in all six of those games.

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting angles

I’m backing Aston Villa to take all three points here. Their home form has been excellent, and they’ve beaten Nottingham Forest in each of the last three meetings at Villa Park. Villa have won seven of their nine home matches this season, suffering just one defeat.

In a Bet Builder, I’ll combine the Aston Villa win with over 2.5 goals. Villa regularly find the net at home, and there’s every chance they could cover that goal line on their own here too.

I’ll also add Morgan Rogers to score or assist. He’s hit four goals in his last four matches and, after drawing a blank against Arsenal, should see far more opportunities come his way in this fixture.

Terry Foord's best bets for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

3pts – Aston Villa to beat Nottingham Forest - 5/6 (Coral/ Ladbrokes)

1pt - Aston Villa to win, over 2.5 match goals and Morgan Rogers to score or assist - 11/5 (Bet365)

Total Staked: 3pts

All prices correct at the time of writing. 18+ | Please gamble responsibly.