Bottom of the league Nottingham Forest will be hoping to bounce back from embarrassing derby defeat to Leicester last week.

They host Aston Villa at the City Ground and will want to use their home crowd to their advantage as Steve Cooper looks to keep hold of his job after five consecutive league defeats.

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Cooper's new-look Forest side have struggled to find any cohesion thus far this season, as expected with over 20 summer arrivals, with rumours of the coach's dismissal beginning to circle.

It looks as though he'll remain in post for at least the next fixture.

Context shows that it would be a somewhat harsh sacking considering the drastic change in squad that he's had to endure, as well as his incredible feats last season as he took the Reds from bottom of the league to eventual promotion via the playoffs.

Meanwhile Villa come off the back of an underwhelming goalless draw away to Leeds United last Sunday, despite having an extra man for the majority of the second half.

Fans of the Villans are becoming increasingly disgruntled with manager Steven Gerrard as the names in their squad do not aline with their 14th place position in the Premier League.

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Despite being unbeaten in their last three games with draws to Manchester City and Leeds and a win against Southampton, Villa have failed to impress this season, with no apparent style of play or gameplan and unimpressive performances from a side who would have been looking to push for the European spots this campaign.

Unfortunate injuries to key players and new signings has not helped Villa, with injuries inflicting the likes of internationals Matty Cash, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos.

Both sides will see this as a big chance to pick up a much-needed win and create some crucial momentum.

  • Team News

Nottingham Forest

Moussa Niakhate (thigh) and Omar Richards (calf/shin/heel) both remain out of action until later in the month.

Emmanuel Dennis will be available once again after previous injury problems.

He made an appearance off the bench in the last match at the King Power Stadium.

Aston Villa

The away side have been hit with a number of unfortunate injuries as mentioned previously.

Kamara (knee) and Carlos (calf/shin/heel) both remain out until after the World Cup this winter.

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Cash (thigh) has recovered exceptionally well and will be available for selection.

Calum Chambers (illness) trained for half a session on Thursday and will continue to train until Monday, so could be back in the fold if all goes well.

Ludwig Augustinsson (thigh/hamstring), who picked up an injury on his Premier League debut in the first half against Leeds is likely to be out for around three weeks and won't appear at the City Ground.

Lucas Digne (calf/shin/heel) will also remain out for the coming weeks after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty with France.

Leon Bailey has a small issue as confirmed by the club so is a doubt, however he has not been completely ruled out.

  • Likely Lineups

Nottingham Forest

Henderson; Lodi, McKenna, Cook, Williams; Yates, Kouyate, Lingard, Gibbs-White, Johnson; Awoniyi

Aston Villa

Martínez; Young, Mings, Konsa, Cash; Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey; Coutinho, Watkins, Buendía

  • Key Players

Brennan Johnson

During Forest's limp performance against Leicester, their only real spark was the Welshman.

A couple of ventures forward and the setting up of chances for teammates like Taiwo Awoniyi helped him stand out.

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He's likely to face Ashley Young on Monday and will see this as an opportunity to use to his 21-year-old legs to his advantage against the experienced 37-year-old full back.

Last season's Championship Young Player of the Season will be keen to add to his two goals scored in eight league games this season.

Jacob Ramsey

One of the better of a bad bunch on Sunday, Ramsey will be a key component in Villa's midfield against Forest.

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He has 6.1 progressive carries this season and he will be crucial for Villa in the transition, helping to facilitate the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Bailey.

He has also improved defensively, with 23 tackles this season, the joint ninth most in the league.

Villa's only goal scorer of the past two matches with his first of the season against Southampton, the Englishman will want to further his impact at the City Ground and will be an important asset to a shaky claret and blue midfield.

  • Match Details

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at the City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest.

What time is kick off?

The match starts at 8pm on Monday, October 10.

Where can I watch?

Fans in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports via a subscription.

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