Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa Pre-Match Thread

[Nunkin1965]

Let's not bother then.

There a several who believe weve already been beaten Dave.

[Pete3206]

We had all these noises about the Palace semi final last season. We're better than them etc, etc.

This is going to be the toughest tie of the tournament so far and we're not as great as some on here seem to think we are. We can get this over the line at Villa Park as long as we don't shit the bed like FA Cup and Conference semis.

[PeterWithesShin]

There's a world of difference between thinking it's going to be tough and thinking we shouldn't bother turning up. That said it's a major semi-final, you'd expect it to be tough. Play like we know we can then we'll go through, but if we play like we know we can, we'll go out. Such is the Villa way.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Thought we battered them home and away, but just wasted tonnes of chances at their ground.

[Chris Smith]

There's a world of difference between thinking it's going to be tough and thinking we shouldn't bother turning up. That said it's a major semi-final, you'd expect it to be tough. Play like we know we can then we'll go through, but if we play like we know we can, we'll go out. Such is the Villa way.

The equivalent on a Forest site reads play like we know we can then we've got a chance, but if we play like we know we can, we'll get hammered . Such is the Forest way.

[AV82EC]

I’m feeling reasonably optimistic about the semi final. We’re in reasonable form and if we turn up I think we’re better than them over the two legs. I’d say we’re slight favourites but it’ll be tough particularly at their place. If we can sharpen up from yesterdays performance then I think there’s every chance we can ensure we’re still in the tie when we get back to VP.

[Baldy]

Since Wood come back and they partnered him up front with Jesus, they have scored 9 goals in the last 135 minutes!! Highlighted their high press on MOTD last night which attributed to many of the goals.

We have enough to beat Forest over 2 legs. But we better be prepared to be up for a scrap, run our b*llocks off and 'NOT' play out from the back.

[andyh]

On paper we are better than them, of course we are.
Yesterday’s performance reminds us though that Villa are more than capable of not turning up/freezing/shitting the bed.

I am absolutely desperate for us to win this tie, win this competition AND qualify for the CL. We could have pretty much done the latter yesterday and relaxed into the EL games.

The Villa way means I have to be a nervous wreck for a few more weeks yet !!!!!

[taylorsworkrate]

They are 16th in the league for a reason. We are 5th in the league for a reason.

Over 2 legs there is no excuse

[andyh]

They are 16th in the league for a reason. We are 4th in the league for a reason.

Over 2 legs there is no excuse

5th

[cdbearsfan]

They've been better than us in 2026. The "reason" why we are both in our respective league positions is because of our performances in 2025.

[RamboandBruno]

Since Wood come back and they partnered him up front with Jesus, they have scored 9 goals in the last 135 minutes!! Highlighted their high press on MOTD last night which attributed to many of the goals.

We have enough to beat Forest over 2 legs. But we better be prepared to be up for a scrap, run our b*llocks off and 'NOT' play out from the back.

We’ve played out from the back in virtually every game since Emery arrived

[Baldy]

Since Wood come back and they partnered him up front with Jesus, they have scored 9 goals in the last 135 minutes!! Highlighted their high press on MOTD last night which attributed to many of the goals.

We have enough to beat Forest over 2 legs. But we better be prepared to be up for a scrap, run our b*llocks off and 'NOT' play out from the back.

We’ve played out from the back in virtually every game since Emery arrived

That's what Forest are hoping for. Let's try Plan B for a change.

[Pete3206]

They are 16th in the league for a reason. We are 5th in the league for a reason.

Over 2 legs there is no excuse

Their league position is down to a chaotic first two thirds of the season. Their ship has been steadied and they look more like the Forest of last season.

[dave.woodhall]

Our poor run was down to having our midfield missing.