Nottingham Forest, two-time European champions, are preparing to face Aston Villa in the Europa League semi-final first leg, with both clubs seeking to end lengthy trophy droughts. Forest, winners of the European Cup in 1979 and 1980, have struggled domestically this season, battling relegation under their fourth manager since September, Vitor Pereira. Villa, European Cup winners in 1982, are close to securing a top-five Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, but have shown recent vulnerabilities after injuries and a dip in form.
Forest enter the tie on an eight-match unbeaten run, having scored 15 goals in their last six games, including a 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland. Pereira has transformed the team by restoring confidence and introducing a possession-based style with a compact defense. Since his arrival in February, Forest have conceded only eight goals in eight league games, reduced crosses by 30%, and increased big chances created by 30%.
Key player Morgan Gibbs-White has thrived under Pereira, scoring nine goals in 14 games. The midfielder could boost his World Cup chances if Forest lift the Europa League. Forest have the best expected goals (xG) in the competition, with Igor Jesus joint top scorer on seven goals.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, have struggled since injuries to midfielders Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Boubacar Kamara. They have taken just 16 points from 14 league games since January, and their 47 goals are the fewest among the top six. Villa boss Unai Emery, in his seventh Europa League semi-final, praised Pereira's work but noted the challenge ahead.
The winner will face Braga or Freiburg in the final in Istanbul on May 20. With Forest's recent revival and Villa's stumbles, Pereira's men are emerging as favorites in this all-English clash.