Barkley And Mings To Start | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa will welcome Nottingham Forest at Villa Park this Saturday as they look to secure a win at home in the Premier League. The Villans managed to earn a hard-fought 3-2 win away at Club Brugge recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.

Unai Emery will set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make some changes to his first team for this clash. Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings could both play from the start of this game.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Nottingham Forest

Defence

Zion Suzuki will operate in between the sticks for the Villans after he conceded two goals in his last appearance. Tyrone Mings will continue to function alongside Victor Lindelof at the heart of the Aston Villa backline as they look to keep a good shape on the defensive end of the field.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will try to catch the eye as the right-back, while Ian Maatsen hopes to prove his worth on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will get the freedom to go forward and express themselves inside the opponent’s half.

Pau Torres will offer cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

BRUGES, BELGIUM – SEPTEMBER 08: Goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki of Aston Villa in action during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Club Brugge KV and Aston Villa FC at Jan Breydel Stadium on September 08, 2026 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Midfield

Ross Barkley and Boubacar Kamara will anchor the midfield for the Villans as they look to establish their dominance over the opposition at the centre of the park and orchestrate a few inviting chances in the final third.

The gifted trio of Greg Hemmings, Emiliano Buendia and John McGinn will play just ahead of them as part of the Aston Villa attack. All three of them will have to be at the top of their game if the Villans are to come out on top this weekend.

Alysson and Lamare Bogarde will have to be content with a spot on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the second half if needed.

Attack

Nicolas Jackson will spearhead Aston Villa’s attack up top. He has to find a way to be a constant menace in the final third.

Tammy Abraham will be available for selection on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the latter stages of the game if required.