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Aston Villa challenge Nottingham Forest as Aitor Karanka takes charge

By Josh Tonti

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Aitor Karanka, manager of Middlesbrough looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Middlesbrough at Bet365 Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Aitor Karanka, manager of Middlesbrough looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Middlesbrough at Bet365 Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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For the third time this campaign, Aston Villa will challenge an opposing club under new leadership. Championship play resumes as Villa face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Fresh off a thrilling FA Cup upset over Arsenal, Forest are set to defend their home ground once more. This time, in the league, against Aston Villa. In case you missed it, Forest are under new leadership as the club sacked manager Mark Warburton after sinking to 14th in the Championship table.

In comes former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka. Saturday will be his first match in charge of his new club.

Perhaps John Terry was rushed into action far too soon. He is a doubt for Saturday after rolling his ankle in training on Wednesday. Bruce is also waiting on the condition of Mile Jedinak. André Green is available after receiving another sixty minutes of action with the Under-23s.

Next: Reports: Axel Tuanzebe to arrive at Aston Villa

For Forest, center back Joe Worrall is suspended after picking-up a red card in the FA Cup. Midfielder Liam Bridcutt is questionable with an ankle injury.

PROJECTED ASTON VILLA XI (4-3-3/4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Elmohamady, Elphick, Chester, Hutton; Jedinak, Hourihane, Grealish; Snodgrass, Hogan, Adomah

SUBSTITUTES: Steer, Taylor, Onomah, Lansbury, Bjarnason, Green, Davis

Lots of notable omissions as Ritchie De Laet, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Callum O’Hare, and Glenn Whelan all could miss out for places. Scott Hogan is a good bet to start over Keinan Davis after training all week.

WHEN: Saturday, January 13 @ 12:30 p.m. EST / 5:30 p.m. GMT

WHERE: City Ground, West Bridgford

PREDICTION: 2-1 Aston Villa victory (Adomah, Grealish) (Brereton)

Nottingham Forest will prove to be tough challenge for Aston Villa. They are at home, coming off an excellent victory, and are under a new manager. Still, Villa are considered favorites for the match and rightfully so. Give me a comfortable victory with Albert Adomah and Jack Grealish to score.

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