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[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Aston Villa XI to face Nottingham Forest – can the Villans get a much-needed win?

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa predictions: Aston Villa line-up

After two wins and a draw in their last three games, Villa will look to continue their unbeaten run when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Thursday.

A win would take Dean Smith’s side above their midweek opponents and if results go their way, they could go as high as 7th. A win on Wednesday is an absolute necessity for both teams if they are to have any chance of making it to the playoffs at the end of the season. 

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Dean Smith’s injury woes continue as Tommy Elphick, Alan Hutton, Jordan Lyden, Orjan Haskjold Nyland and Axel Tuanzebe are all ruled out for the midweek game.

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However, James Chester and Henri Lansbury are back in training and have a chance to be available for the game against Forest on Wednesday.

Probable Aston Villa XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Dean Smith

Lovre Kalinic (GK)

The Croatian missed the game against Birmingham last week due to a concussion but is expected to be back for the game against Forest on Wednesday.

Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)

The former Hull City man has scored twice and has assisted 5 times so far this season. He should start at right-back on Wednesday.

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Kortney Hause (CB)

The 23-year-old has only played six games so far this season but has done well over the last few weeks in the absence of Tommy Elphick.

Tyrone Mings (CB)

The Bournemouth loanee has played every game since making the switch in the January transfer window. He should continue in the heart of the defence on Wednesday.

Neil Taylor (LB)

The former Swansea City left-back has played 21 games for Villa so far this season and his runs up and down the left flank will be important against Forest on Wednesday.

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Glenn Whelan (CM)

The 35-year-old started off the season mostly on the bench but injuries and his performances have paved the way for a starting role. His experience in the midfield will be vital for the away side in the mid-week. 

Jack Grealish (CM)

Grealish has scored and assisted a combined 8 goals this season so far and should look to add more to his tally against Forest on Wednesday. 

Connor Hourihane (CM)

The Irishman has arguably been Villa’s best midfielder this campaign, having scored 6 goals and provided 9 assists so far. 

Anwar El Ghazi (LW)

The  Dutchman has played 22 games for Villa so far since his arrival on loan from Lille at the start of the season. He should start on the left wing on Wednesday.

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Albert Adomah (RW)

The Ghanaian’s end product this campaign hasn’t been as good since he has scored just one goal all season. He will look to improve that from the right wing on Wednesday. 

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Tammy Abraham (ST)

Villa’s top scorer this season, Abraham has been a crucial part in his side’s bid to get to the playoffs this season. His 21 goals so far have only been bettered by Billy Sharp and Teemu Pukki this season.