Aston Villa are preparing to host Nottingham Forest this weekend aiming for back-to-back victories after defeating Club Brugge on Tuesday. According to Birmingham Live, Unai Emery has several selection issues to resolve before naming his starting eleven for the Premier League fixture.
Matty Cash sat out the midweek European match because of muscle soreness. The publication states that Emery will address the right-back's condition during his Friday press conference, leaving his involvement against Forest uncertain. Should he be unavailable, Villa may keep the same defensive line that played in Belgium.
In midfield, Joao Gomes is serving the last match of a three-game domestic ban following a red card for violent conduct on the opening day of the league campaign. Birmingham Live expects Ross Barkley to step into the side next to Boubacar Kamara in the double pivot.
Emery will also be without Brian Madjo and Leon Goretzka, both of whom are currently sidelined through injury. Their absences further limit the head coach's options across the pitch.
Further forward, the report suggests John McGinn, Emi Buendia and George Hemmings will operate behind striker Nicolas Jackson. Zion Suzuki is tipped to retain his place in goal for the second consecutive game.
Villa have not commented publicly on any team news ahead of the match. Supporters will learn more once Emery speaks to reporters later this week.
