UTV Fan Channel: How Aston Villa can solve the Glasner problem against Nottingham Forest
The UTV Fan Channel panel believe Unai Emery must use a natural winger to counter Oliver Glasner's system when Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park, with John McGinn urged to return to central midfield.
Unai Emery has a well-documented struggle against Oliver Glasner's tactical setups, and the UTV Fan Channel panel believe they have identified exactly why Aston Villa falter against his teams. Previewing Saturday's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, the hosts argued that Villa's tendency to play narrowly allows Glasner's wing-backs to dominate the flanks unchallenged.
According to one host on the show, the solution lies in selecting a natural winger rather than relying on inverted players. The panel explained that when John McGinn or Adam Henshall tuck inside, opposition wing-backs are given free rein to push forward. By deploying someone who holds the width, the show suggested Villa could force those defenders deeper and neutralise the threat before it develops.
The discussion also turned to the centre of the park, where João Gomes serves the final game of a suspension. The hosts were largely united in wanting McGinn to shift centrally alongside Boubacar Kamara. While Ross Barkley has featured recently, including during the midweek Champions League victory over Club Brugge, the panel felt he takes too many touches and risks being dispossessed in dangerous areas against a compact Forest side.
There was some debate over which wide player should start if Emery opts for an out-and-out winger. Alysson was favoured by several of the hosts for his defensive tenacity, though Ibrahim Mbaye was mentioned as an alternative. The panel expects Emile Buendía might miss out entirely given how congested the middle third is likely to become.
Tactically, the show highlighted the potential of using goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to bypass Forest's press. One host described the new signing as capable of delivering precise long passes, suggesting that direct balls towards Henshall could exploit spaces left by Forest's advancing defenders. The panel noted this approach created promising moments during the recent goalless draw at Hull City.
Despite their concerns about Glasner's record against Emery, the UTV Fan Channel hosts remain optimistic about securing a first home league win of the campaign. They pointed out that Forest are still integrating new signings and lack the personnel who previously caused Villa problems under this manager. A 2-1 victory was predicted by one of the presenters, provided Emery is willing to tweak his usual methodology.
