Emery decided against Elliott two months ago

Everything eventually comes to an end — including Aston Villa’s run of as many as 11 consecutive wins in all competitions. Ahead of the clash with Arsenal, it seemed they might even be drawn into the title race, but Unai Emery’s side fell at the Emirates on the penultimate day of 2025, confirming that they are not genuine title contenders and that only Arsenal and Manchester City remain in the race. The heavy defeat in north London — 4–1 — does not truly reflect the balance of play. There were no goals in the first 45 minutes, during which the visitors from Birmingham were the better side and created more chances. Then came the tsunami from Mikel Arteta’s team after the break.

In the opening match of the 20th round, Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park today. Forest have once again slipped into a poor run of form, suffering three consecutive defeats, and now sit just above the relegation zone, only four points clear of struggling West Ham. Villa are outstanding at home. After an unsteady start, the team led by the Basque coach is in excellent form, especially in front of their own supporters. They have strung together 10 home wins, meaning a tough test awaits anyone who comes to Villa Park.

Cold night, cold goodbye and sore loser: Emery walks away from Arteta

The end of Harvey Elliott’s episode in Birmingham is also approaching. He was surplus to requirements at Anfield in June and joined from Liverpool on a one-year loan with an option to buy, but Villa have not been satisfied with the performances of last summer’s European Championship Young Player of the Tournament. Villa will try to shorten the loan in order to free up space in the squad for new arrivals this month.

“We have a problem with Harvey Elliott. We respect him as much as we can because he is a true professional, a good person and very respectful — he deserves the best. The problem we have with Harvey is that he is on loan. If he plays, we have to buy him. We decided two months ago not to sign him. He behaves well. This is football — sometimes you have to make tough decisions” Emery said. Elliott has not been in the squad since October 2. We will see how this unsuccessful spell ends for the Liverpool player who showed great promise at Anfield but never managed to secure a run of games, neither under Jurgen Klopp nor Arne Slot, and now not under Unai Emery either.

Sancho struggling with game time in Villa

For this match, the Spanish coach cannot count on midfielder Amadou Onana, who started against Arsenal four days ago but was forced off at halftime due to injury. Pau Torres, Tyrone Mings and Ross Barkley also remain sidelined. Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash are available again after serving suspensions for accumulated yellow cards. On the other hand, Forest manager Sean Dyche can rely on defender Ola Aina, who returns after nearly four months out, having injured his tendon on September 9. Unavailable for the visitors are Ryan Yates and Chris Wood, while Dan Ndoye has yet to recover from his injury.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 20

Saturday

15.30: (1.78) Aston Villa (3.60) Nott.Forest (4.70)

18.00: (1.53) Brighton (4.30) Burnley (7.00)

18.00: (2.55) Wolverhampton (3.40) West Ham (2.95)

20.30: (6.50) Bournemouth (4.30) Arsenal (1.50)

Sunday

15.30: (2.75) Leeds (3.25) Man.Utd. (2.65)

18.00: (2.40) Everton (3.30) Brentford (3.25)

18.00: (3.80) Fulham (3.50) Liverpool (2.00)

18.00: (1.70) Newcastle (3.60) Crystal Palace (5.30)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.60) Sunderland (4.80)

20.30: (1.65) Man.City (4.20) Chelsea (5.60)

***odds are subject to change***