Nottingham Forest will host Aston Villa in a blockbuster all-English UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg at the City Ground.
Softfootball understands The tie marks Forest’s first major European semi-final since 1984, with the club entering the clash in strong form after a dominant 5-0 league win and an eight-game unbeaten run. Their journey to this stage has included impressive victories over Fenerbahçe SK, FC Midtjylland, and FC Porto.
Nottingham Forest has taken to their official x handle to announce the match would hold on 30th April 2026
Villa, meanwhile, arrive with growing European pedigree, having reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last season and the Conference League semi-finals in 2024. They are now targeting their first European final since their historic 1982 European Cup triumph.
On April 19th Aston Villa delivered one of the most chaotic games of the season, edging past Sunderland in a dramatic 4–3 thriller that had fans on edge from start to finish.
The winners of the two-legged tie will face either SC Braga or SC Freiburg in the final at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul on May 20.
Team News
Nottingham Forest will be without Callum Hudson-Odoi, Murillo (hamstring), John Victor, Nicolo Savona, Willy Boly (all knee) and Luca Netz (ineligible), while Jair Cunha is doubtful with a shoulder injury sustained in the win at Sunderland last time out.
Morato could be recalled to start at centre-back alongside Nikola Milenkovic, while Pereira will consider replacing goalkeeper Mats Sels with January signing Stefan Ortega, who has started Forest’s last three Europa League games.
As for Aston Villa, Boubacar Kamara (knee) and Alysson (unspecified) remain sidelined, while Amadou Onana will be assessed ahead of kickoff after missing the defeat at Fulham with a knee issue.
Lamare Bogarde is the most likely candidate to continue in centre-midfield alongside Youri Tielemans if Onana is not fit to start, though Ross Barkley and former Forest player Douglas Luiz are two more options at Emery’s disposal.
Ollie Watkins has scored three goals in his last two Europa League away games and he is expected to continue up front, with Morgan Rogers, John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia providing support in attack. In defence, left-back Ian Maatsen and centre-back Tyrone Mings could both be recalled to the first XI.
Possible Lineups
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Hutchinson, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Wood, Jesus
Aston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Maatsen; Bogarde, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
Where to watch
| Region | Broadcaster |
| Nigeria | SuperSport, DStv |
| UK | TNT Sports |
| USA | CBS Sports, Paramount+ |
| Europe | DAZN, Canal+ |
Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the Champions League semi-final between Atlético Madrid and Arsenal Today Wednesday 29th April 2026, adding to an exciting period in European football.
