Will the Tricky Trees’ mini-streak come to an end?
On Sunday evening, the Premier League will feature a clash between two clubs that were neck-and-neck in last year’s final standings and could meet again soon. Both teams ultimately set the stage for a spot in the Europa League semifinals on Thursday night, where they would face off against each other according to the tournament bracket. In the Premier League, our Nottingham vs. Aston Villa prediction leans toward the visitors from Birmingham, who are currently fourth in the table and on course for the Champions League, even though the relegation-threatened Tricky Trees have gone three games unbeaten (one win, two draws).
Nottingham, however, sits in 16th place with only a three-point cushion above the first relegation spot. They still lack offensive firepower. Only bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton has scored fewer goals (24) than the Garibaldi Reds (31). Moreover, the Tricky Trees have gone seven Premier League home games without a win (four draws, three losses) and have failed to score in their last three home matches. Against this backdrop, we consider Tip 2 to be a very solid bet, even though the Villans have lost their last two Premier League away games in a row and, surprisingly, were defeated 0-2 by the Wolves, among others.
Although the high betting odds mean there is significant value on the betting slip, Tip 2 naturally comes with a certain amount of risk. Those unwilling to take this risk could also bet neutrally on under 2.5 goals, for which Betano offers odds of 1.85. Also interesting: The match combo on the Double Chance X2 with under 3.5 goals, which on the one hand covers the possibility of a draw and on the other takes into account the fact that a goal fest is not to be expected at the City Ground.
Nottingham – Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record
Head to Head: 40 – 31 – 64
A total of 135 matches have taken place between the two teams so far, and with 64 wins, Aston Villa leads the head-to-head record overall. The Birmingham side has lost its last two Premier League away games at the City Ground. Overall, however, Nottingham Forest has won only three of their last 17 Premier League matches against the Villans (five draws, nine losses).
Nottingham – Aston Villa Prediction
Although the top bookmakers are offering even odds for Nottingham vs. Aston Villa, the trend clearly favors the Villans, who have opened the door wide to the Europa League semifinals with their 3-1 win in Bologna. The Tricky Trees also put themselves in a good position with their 1-1 draw at FC Porto. Nevertheless, the Garibaldi Reds will have to do significantly more on Thursday to reach the semifinals. Moreover, Nottingham has earned 22 fewer points (32) in the Premier League than the Villans (54), who are heading to the East Midlands with greater confidence despite two consecutive away losses.
Given that the Tricky Trees have recently been a series of disappointments at their home ground, the City Ground—going seven home games without a win (four draws, three losses) and failing to score at home in three consecutive matches—we consider the Lions’ away win in Nottingham vs. Aston Villa to be a very solid bet.
