Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest in a Premier League clash on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Villa Park in Birmingham. Kick-off is at 12:30 UTC (5:30 PM PKT, 6:00 PM IST).
This Premier League 2025/26 season fixture pits third-placed Aston Villa against 17th-placed Nottingham Forest. The venue, Villa Park, typically offers a fast, true pitch surface that’s batsman-friendly—no, wait, football: a quick, even surface favoring attacking play. Weather forecasts clear skies with no rain expected, temperatures around 8-10°C, setting up ideal conditions for open football.
For Aston Villa, a win keeps them in the thick of the top-four race, building on their strong home record and Champions League push. Nottingham Forest desperately need points to climb out of the relegation scrap, especially after recent struggles including a mid-week loss to Everton. This Midlands derby carries extra edge, with Villa eyeing momentum and Forest fighting survival.
Aston Villa boast blistering momentum, winning 10 of their last 11 across competitions, including five straight victories that have them sitting pretty in third. Nottingham Forest sit 17th, battling to avoid a fourth straight defeat, with a poor away record and defensive frailties exposed lately.
Head-to-Head
The sides have met over 100 times historically, with Aston Villa holding a slight edge—around 45 wins to Forest’s 35, plus draws. Last five meetings: Forest 2-1 Villa (Dec 2024), Villa 4-2 Forest (Feb 2024), Forest 2-0 Villa (Nov 2023), and earlier draws/high-scorers like 5-5 in 2018. Villa have the upper hand recently at home.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Live Online:
DAZN is streaming Aston Villa vs Nottingham live for account holders. Those without an account can use their 30-day free trial* by signing up through the relevant link based on location.
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TV Channels: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
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Live Streaming: Sky Go app (for subscribers), NOW TV (with day/monthly membership)
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Radio Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live
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Geo-restrictions apply
In the UK, fans can also stream the match on 1xBet and bet365.
In the USA, watch the match live on FuboTV.
These TV channels are showing this match live in different countries:
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UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Premier League
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USA: FuboTV
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Portugal: Match TV
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Ukraine: V Sport Jalkapallo, V Sport Premium:
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BBC Radio 5 Live
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TalkSport Radio
Viewing Information:
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TV Channels: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
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Live Streaming: Sky Go app, NOW TV
Live Streaming info
Fox Sports. It will be live-streaming Liverpool vs Manchester United .
Live Scorecard
Aston Villa Analysis
Unai Emery’s side thrives on high pressing, fluid attacks, and set-piece threats, with Ollie Watkins leading the line as top scorer. Weaknesses include occasional defensive lapses on counters, but home form is rock-solid. Key men: Watkins (goals), McGinn (energy), Buendia (creativity); recent wins showcase squad depth from January signings like Rashford and Malen.
Probable XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins
Nottingham Forest Analysis
Forest rely on counter-attacks and Gibbs-White’s midfield magic, but injuries to Wood, Boly, and others cripple their depth. Strengths lie in set-pieces and pacey wings, yet poor finishing and away woes are glaring weaknesses. Jesus up top and Hudson-Odoi on the break are dangers, but four straight losses sap confidence.
Probable XI: Victor, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Hutchinson, Jesus
Prediction
Villa’s red-hot form, home advantage, and superior squad depth make them clear favorites—expect a 2-0 or 3-1 win, with Watkins netting. Forest might threaten early but lack firepower to overturn the tide.