Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Bet Builder

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Fraser Bricknell

Tipman founder, lifelong football fan and stats-driven tipster with seven years of winning experience.

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Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Bet Builder Tip

Premier League | Saturday 3 January 2026 | 12:30pm
Venue Villa Park
Live on Sky Sports Premier League

Aston Villa return to Villa Park looking to respond after their 4–1 defeat away to Arsenal in midweek, while Nottingham Forest arrive under pressure following a run of poor league results that has dragged them closer to the relegation battle.

Unai Emery’s side remain one of the strongest home teams in the Premier League and this fixture presents a good opportunity to get back to winning ways against a Forest side struggling for goals, confidence and away results.

This Bet Builder is built around Villa control, sensible goal expectations, sustained pressure metrics and reliable individual player trends.

Aston Villa v N'ham Forest Bet Builder
14.34/1

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Aston Villa Win

Match Result
9/10

Reason for Tip

Villa remain one of the strongest home sides in the Premier League this season. They have taken the majority of their points at Villa Park and consistently control matches there through territory, possession and chance creation.

Forest have struggled away from home throughout the campaign and continue to concede high-quality chances, particularly against teams that dominate midfield and force them deep. Villa’s structure under Unai Emery, especially in home fixtures, makes them reliable in games like this where they are expected to control tempo.

This is a strong foundation leg for the builder.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Under 3.5 Goals

Over 3.5 Goals
2/5

Reason for Tip

Despite Villa’s attacking quality, their home games rarely turn chaotic. Emery prioritises control, especially once his side takes the lead, and Forest are not a high-scoring side away from home.

Forest have failed to score in several recent matches and often struggle to create clear chances against organised defences. Villa, meanwhile, are efficient rather than reckless, which keeps scorelines respectable even in comfortable wins.

A 1–0, 2–0 or 2–1 type of game fits the tactical profile well.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Over 8.5 Corners

Over 8.5 Corners
5/12

Reason for Tip

Both sides contribute strongly to corner volume for different reasons.

Villa generate sustained pressure at home, with wide players and overlapping full-backs regularly forcing defensive clearances. Forest, meanwhile, often defend deep and concede territory, which naturally leads to corners conceded even if they are not dominating possession.

Villa home games regularly land in the 9–12 corner range, making this a solid inclusion.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Over 3.5 Cards

Over 3.5 Cards
1/2

Reason for Tip

This fixture has all the ingredients for a competitive, physical contest.

Forest tend to rack up fouls when chasing games, particularly away from home, while Villa’s midfield is aggressive in pressing and transitional moments. With both teams needing points for very different reasons, the intensity should be high.

A total of four or more cards is well within expectation for a Premier League fixture of this nature.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Aston Villa Goalkeeper 2+ Saves

Team Goalkeeper 2+ Saves
3/10

Reason for Tip

Forest are not prolific, but they do create shooting opportunities, particularly through counters and long-range efforts.

Even in games where Forest struggle to score, they typically register a handful of shots on target. Villa’s goalkeeper being forced into at least two saves is a realistic outcome, especially with Forest likely to chase the game if they fall behind.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Ollie Watkins 1+ Shots on Target

Player 1+ Shots On Target
27/50

Reason for Tip

Watkins remains Villa’s main attacking outlet and continues to get into high-quality shooting positions.

He averages multiple shots per match and is heavily involved in transition attacks and box movement. Even when not scoring, he consistently tests the goalkeeper.

Against a Forest side that allows chances through central areas, one shot on target is a very achievable line.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Ian Maatsen 1+ Fouls

Player 1+ Fouls
1/4

Reason for Tip

Maatsen’s aggressive pressing style and forward positioning often leave him engaging in recovery challenges.

Against Forest’s wide attackers and quick transitions, he is likely to be drawn into at least one foul as he steps high or tracks runners back toward his own half.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Matty Cash 1+ Fouls

Player 1+ Fouls
1/4

Reason for Tip

Cash is regularly involved in physical duels on the right flank and is often tasked with stopping counter-attacks early.

He averages over one foul per game and frequently commits tactical fouls when Villa are stretched. This is a consistent and reliable line.

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Match Context and Form

Villa’s heavy defeat at the Emirates brought an end to an excellent run of form, but it should not overshadow the wider picture. Prior to that loss, Villa had won 17 of their previous 20 matches in all competitions, and they remain firmly in the top-four race with a healthy points cushion.

At Villa Park, Emery’s side have been consistently dominant. They have won eight of their ten home league matches this season and regularly control games through territory, possession and chance creation rather than frantic end-to-end football.

Forest, by contrast, arrive on the back of a three-match losing run in the league and have lost five of their last seven Premier League fixtures overall. Their issues are particularly evident in attack. Only Wolves have scored fewer goals this season, with Forest managing just 18 league goals, and they have failed to score in seven of their last eight league and cup matches.

Away from home, Forest have picked up just two wins all season, and their goal output on the road remains one of the weakest in the division.

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Tactical Shape of the Game

Villa are expected to dominate possession and territory, particularly in the second half. Six of their last eight goals have come after the break, which reflects Emery’s ability to adjust games tactically and gradually wear opponents down.

Forest are likely to defend deep, absorb pressure and look to counter through quick transitions rather than sustained attacking spells. While this approach can occasionally lead to chances, it also tends to result in prolonged defensive phases, corners conceded and fouls committed in wide areas.

This match profile lends itself well to a Villa win without the game becoming overly high-scoring.

Bet Builder Selections

✅ Aston Villa to Win

Villa remain one of the strongest home sides in the Premier League this season. They have taken the majority of their points at Villa Park and consistently control matches there through territory, possession and chance creation.

Forest have struggled away from home throughout the campaign and continue to concede high-quality chances, particularly against teams that dominate midfield and force them deep. Villa’s structure under Unai Emery, especially in home fixtures, makes them reliable in games like this where they are expected to control tempo.

This is a strong foundation leg for the builder.


✅ Under 3.5 Goals

Despite Villa’s attacking quality, their home games rarely turn chaotic. Emery prioritises control, especially once his side takes the lead, and Forest are not a high-scoring side away from home.

Forest have failed to score in several recent matches and often struggle to create clear chances against organised defences. Villa, meanwhile, are efficient rather than reckless, which keeps scorelines respectable even in comfortable wins.

A 1–0, 2–0 or 2–1 type of game fits the tactical profile well.


✅ Over 8.5 Corners

Both sides contribute strongly to corner volume for different reasons.

Villa generate sustained pressure at home, with wide players and overlapping full-backs regularly forcing defensive clearances. Forest, meanwhile, often defend deep and concede territory, which naturally leads to corners conceded even if they are not dominating possession.

Villa home games regularly land in the 9–12 corner range, making this a solid inclusion.


✅ Over 3.5 Cards

This fixture has all the ingredients for a competitive, physical contest.

Forest tend to rack up fouls when chasing games, particularly away from home, while Villa’s midfield is aggressive in pressing and transitional moments. With both teams needing points for very different reasons, the intensity should be high.

A total of four or more cards is well within expectation for a Premier League fixture of this nature.


✅ Aston Villa Goalkeeper – 2+ Saves

Forest are not prolific, but they do create shooting opportunities, particularly through counters and long-range efforts.

Even in games where Forest struggle to score, they typically register a handful of shots on target. Villa’s goalkeeper being forced into at least two saves is a realistic outcome, especially with Forest likely to chase the game if they fall behind.


✅ Ollie Watkins – 1+ Shot on Target

Watkins remains Villa’s main attacking outlet and continues to get into high-quality shooting positions.

He averages multiple shots per match and is heavily involved in transition attacks and box movement. Even when not scoring, he consistently tests the goalkeeper.

Against a Forest side that allows chances through central areas, one shot on target is a very achievable line.


✅ Ian Maatsen – 1+ Foul

Maatsen’s aggressive pressing style and forward positioning often leave him engaging in recovery challenges.

Against Forest’s wide attackers and quick transitions, he is likely to be drawn into at least one foul as he steps high or tracks runners back toward his own half.


✅ Matty Cash – 1+ Foul

Cash is regularly involved in physical duels on the right flank and is often tasked with stopping counter-attacks early.

He averages over one foul per game and frequently commits tactical fouls when Villa are stretched. This is a consistent and reliable line.

Final Verdict

This Bet Builder is structured around:

  • Villa’s strong home form

  • Forest’s attacking limitations

  • Controlled scoring patterns

  • High corner volume from sustained pressure

  • Natural foul trends from aggressive full-backs

  • Reliable attacking involvement from Ollie Watkins

It avoids speculative markets and relies instead on repeatable match behaviours that have shown up consistently across both sides’ recent fixtures.

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Aston Villa v N'ham Forest Bet Builder
14.34/1

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Aston Villa Win

Match Result
9/10

Reason for Tip

Villa remain one of the strongest home sides in the Premier League this season. They have taken the majority of their points at Villa Park and consistently control matches there through territory, possession and chance creation.

Forest have struggled away from home throughout the campaign and continue to concede high-quality chances, particularly against teams that dominate midfield and force them deep. Villa’s structure under Unai Emery, especially in home fixtures, makes them reliable in games like this where they are expected to control tempo.

This is a strong foundation leg for the builder.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Under 3.5 Goals

Over 3.5 Goals
2/5

Reason for Tip

Despite Villa’s attacking quality, their home games rarely turn chaotic. Emery prioritises control, especially once his side takes the lead, and Forest are not a high-scoring side away from home.

Forest have failed to score in several recent matches and often struggle to create clear chances against organised defences. Villa, meanwhile, are efficient rather than reckless, which keeps scorelines respectable even in comfortable wins.

A 1–0, 2–0 or 2–1 type of game fits the tactical profile well.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Over 8.5 Corners

Over 8.5 Corners
5/12

Reason for Tip

Both sides contribute strongly to corner volume for different reasons.

Villa generate sustained pressure at home, with wide players and overlapping full-backs regularly forcing defensive clearances. Forest, meanwhile, often defend deep and concede territory, which naturally leads to corners conceded even if they are not dominating possession.

Villa home games regularly land in the 9–12 corner range, making this a solid inclusion.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Over 3.5 Cards

Over 3.5 Cards
1/2

Reason for Tip

This fixture has all the ingredients for a competitive, physical contest.

Forest tend to rack up fouls when chasing games, particularly away from home, while Villa’s midfield is aggressive in pressing and transitional moments. With both teams needing points for very different reasons, the intensity should be high.

A total of four or more cards is well within expectation for a Premier League fixture of this nature.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Aston Villa Goalkeeper 2+ Saves

Team Goalkeeper 2+ Saves
3/10

Reason for Tip

Forest are not prolific, but they do create shooting opportunities, particularly through counters and long-range efforts.

Even in games where Forest struggle to score, they typically register a handful of shots on target. Villa’s goalkeeper being forced into at least two saves is a realistic outcome, especially with Forest likely to chase the game if they fall behind.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Ollie Watkins 1+ Shots on Target

Player 1+ Shots On Target
27/50

Reason for Tip

Watkins remains Villa’s main attacking outlet and continues to get into high-quality shooting positions.

He averages multiple shots per match and is heavily involved in transition attacks and box movement. Even when not scoring, he consistently tests the goalkeeper.

Against a Forest side that allows chances through central areas, one shot on target is a very achievable line.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Ian Maatsen 1+ Fouls

Player 1+ Fouls
1/4

Reason for Tip

Maatsen’s aggressive pressing style and forward positioning often leave him engaging in recovery challenges.

Against Forest’s wide attackers and quick transitions, he is likely to be drawn into at least one foul as he steps high or tracks runners back toward his own half.

3 Jan 12:30 - Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League
3 Jan 12:30
Aston Villa vs Nottm Forest - Premier League

Matty Cash 1+ Fouls

Player 1+ Fouls
1/4

Reason for Tip

Cash is regularly involved in physical duels on the right flank and is often tasked with stopping counter-attacks early.

He averages over one foul per game and frequently commits tactical fouls when Villa are stretched. This is a consistent and reliable line.

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