Aston Villa manager Unai Emery faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Villans will aim to bring a positive result back to Birmingham after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in London, while Forest secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
European History and Form
This marks the first European meeting between the two sides and Villa's first continental clash against domestic opposition. Villa have been in outstanding European form, winning 15 of their last 17 matches, including each of their last nine – the longest winning streak in the club's UEFA history and an English record in the Europa League proper. After beating Lille 4-0 on aggregate in the round of 16, Villa comfortably dispatched Bologna 7-1 on aggregate. Forest, meanwhile, overcame Fenerbahçe in the knockout play-offs before defeating Midtjylland and FC Porto.
Recent Meeting
The sides drew 1-1 at the City Ground in the league earlier this month, although Emiliano Martinez did not start despite being named in the XI. In front of Martinez, Villa's defence could consist of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres and Lucas Digne, though Tyrone Mings remains a strong alternative given the aerial threat posed by Chris Wood.
Midfield Concerns
Amadou Onana missed the defeat to Fulham with a minor knee issue and will be assessed ahead of the match. If unavailable, Lamare Bogarde is likely to partner Youri Tielemans in midfield, with John McGinn and Morgan Rogers occupying advanced roles. Ross Barkley will not be available for selection as he was not included in the squad for the European knockouts.
Emi Buendia, who was substituted in the 74th minute against Fulham along with Tielemans, McGinn and Bogarde, may start again.
Predicted Starting XI
Predicted XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Buendia, Rogers; Watkins.
