Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Betting
Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest at Villa Park in the Premier League on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with kick-off at 15:00 BST. Villa have endured a miserable start to the season, collecting just one point from their opening three games without scoring a goal, while their total of only one shot on target shows just how badly they've struggled in attack. Forest have not fared much better, however, only taking two points from their first three matches after losing at Leeds and drawing with Liverpool and Tottenham.
Both teams played out goalless draws last weekend, with Villa held by Hull and Forest sharing the points with Spurs, so neither side arrives with much attacking momentum. Villa are the favourites and will be desperate to get their season going, although their only previous home game this term ended in defeat to Arsenal - and the ongoing redevelopment of Villa Park means they will play with just three stands in use. With the ground potentially losing some of its usual atmosphere, Forest may feel this is a good opportunity to end their long wait for a win there.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Odds
Villa’s home advantage and excellent recent record against Forest help explain why the odds favour them, but their lack of cutting edge makes this a difficult game to call. Forest have not won at Villa Park since 1994, while Villa thrashed them 4-0 at the ground in last season’s Europa League semi-final before going on to lift the trophy. However, both teams have found goals hard to come by this season, which could make the draw and Over/Under Goals odds just as interesting as backing the favourites.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Betting Markets
Markets for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest may include:
- Match Betting: Choose between a Villa win, a Forest victory or the draw after 90 minutes.
- Both Teams To Score: Decide whether both attacks can find a way through after their respective goalless draws last weekend.
- Over/Under Goals: Take a position on whether the match will finish above or below the chosen goals line.
- Goalscorer Betting: Back one of the players on the pitch to score first or find the net at any stage.
- Bet Builder: Bring eligible result, goals and player selections together in a single bet.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Bets & Favourites
Villa are favourites for the win, although their opening three performances suggest this could be a much tighter contest than some of the recent meetings at Villa Park. The hosts are yet to score this season and have managed only one shot on target, while Forest have followed their opening-day defeat at Leeds with consecutive draws. Both teams may therefore place greater value on avoiding another loss, which could lead to a cagey game and bring the draw into the Match Betting conversation.
Forest’s record at Villa Park is another factor to consider, with their last victory at the ground coming back in 1994. Villa have regularly scored freely in this fixture and put four past Forest in last season’s Europa League semi-final, but their current attacking problems mean bettors will have to decide how much weight to place on that history.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Goalscorer Bets
John McGinn has an extraordinary record against Forest, scoring twice in Villa’s 4-0 Europa League semi-final win last season after also netting a brace against them at Villa Park in the Premier League. The midfielder has scored three braces during his Villa career, with all three coming against Forest, making him an intriguing option in the goalscorer betting despite Villa’s slow start in front of goal.
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Betting Preview
Read our Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest betting preview for match predictions, the latest odds and Bet Builder tips ahead of Saturday’s game. Villa’s strong home record in this fixture and McGinn’s remarkable scoring history against Forest offer two clear betting angles, but the teams’ early-season form points towards a closer and potentially more cautious contest. To get the most out of your bet, you can also take a look at the latest stats and form guides for both Villa and Forest on Ladbrokes' individual teams pages, giving you extra insight before placing your wager.
Why bet on Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest?
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest brings together two sides in urgent need of a positive result after difficult starts to the season. Villa are still looking for their first goal and win, while Forest arrive with just two points despite drawing at Anfield and holding Tottenham last weekend. Villa’s dominance in recent meetings has to be considered, but their struggles in attack and the reduced capacity at Villa Park could give Forest greater belief than on previous visits.
What are the latest Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest odds?
Find the latest Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest odds with Ladbrokes before kick-off at Villa Park. Bettors can explore prices on Villa, Forest and the draw, alongside goals, correct score and goalscorer bets.
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