Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Ross Barkley to start as Joao Gomes suspended

Aston Villa host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend with Unai Emery expected to recall Ross Barkley for the suspended Joao Gomes. Brian Madjo and Leon Goretzka miss out injured, while the fitness of Matty Cash remains a late call following his muscle soreness.

  • Competition: Premier League
  • Fixture: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
  • Headline selection: Ross Barkley expected to replace suspended Joao Gomes
  • Key injuries: Brian Madjo, Leon Goretzka (out); Matty Cash (late fitness test)
  • Suspension: Joao Gomes serves final match of three-game ban
  • At stake: Back-to-back wins after midweek European success

Predicted Aston Villa XI vs Nottingham Forest

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Zion Suzuki; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley; John McGinn, Emi Buendia, George Hemmings; Nicolas Jackson.

Substitutes: The source article does not name any substitutes.

Selection notes

Joao Gomes serves the final match of his three-game league suspension after his dismissal for violent conduct on the opening weekend. Brian Madjo and Leon Goretzka are out injured. Matty Cash missed the midweek win over Club Brugge due to muscle soreness and faces a late fitness test.

If Cash is unavailable again, Emery is expected to keep faith with the same back line that did the job in Europe. Zion Suzuki continues in goal behind a defence likely to feature Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Torres and Maatsen.

Injury and availability

  • Brian Madjo: Out injured
  • Leon Goretzka: Out injured
  • Joao Gomes: Suspended (final game of three-match ban)
  • Matty Cash: Fitness concern – missed Brugge win with muscle soreness, late call

Why Emery will turn to Barkley in midfield

With Gomes unavailable, Ross Barkley is the obvious replacement alongside Boubacar Kamara in the double pivot. It is a different profile: Barkley offers more carry and ambition in possession, though Villa lose some defensive edge without the ball. Emery will accept that trade-off to keep the team moving forward at home.

Further forward, John McGinn, Emi Buendia and George Hemmings are expected to operate behind Nicolas Jackson. That setup gives Villa energy, movement and runners around the central striker. Jackson will want better service and, bluntly, Villa need more from him in the box.

The likely back four of Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Torres and Maatsen is a unit with mobility, recovery pace and enough composure on the ball — even if it still looks like a group learning each other's habits. Suzuki keeps his place in goal.

Talking points

  • Does Barkley's greater ambition on the ball outweigh the defensive steel Villa lose without Gomes in midfield?
  • Should Emery risk Cash if he is not fully fit, or stick with the back four that kept a clean sheet in Europe?
  • Is Nicolas Jackson the right focal point, or do Villa need a different type of striker to finish the chances they create?
  • Can Emery afford to rotate with a European campaign running alongside the league, or is three points non-negotiable here?

What happens next

Aston Villa face Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, looking for back-to-back wins after seeing off Club Brugge in midweek. Momentum early in a season can shape the mood around a squad very quickly, and Emery will want a cleaner, sharper league display at home. Three points are the expectation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ross Barkley starting for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest?

Yes, Ross Barkley is expected to start alongside Boubacar Kamara in midfield, replacing the suspended Joao Gomes.

Why is Joao Gomes not playing for Aston Villa?

Joao Gomes is serving the final match of his three-game league suspension following his dismissal for violent conduct on the opening weekend.

Is Matty Cash fit for Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest?

Matty Cash missed the midweek win over Club Brugge with muscle soreness and his fitness remains a late call ahead of kick-off.

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