(Credit: Imago)

Nottingham Forest must make bold Igor Jesus decision vs Aston Villa, it could define the tie

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

06 May 2026, 3:00 am

Nottingham Forest should look to drop Igor Jesus for Taiwo Awoniyi in their upcoming Europa League tie against Aston Villa.

The Tricky Trees are currently 1-0 up on aggregate heading into the second leg at Villa Park as they eye a place in the final.

However, it is no doubt a tough ask for Forest to see out their lead, and the first goal could prove to be crucial.

Luckily, the Reds are going into the game on fine form after beating Chelsea 3-1 on Monday, with Awoniyi netting twice.

Now, the striker should remain in the lineup ahead of Forest’s crucial match.

Taiwo Awoniyi must start vs Aston Villa

Awoniyi has struggled at the City Ground since his move to the Premier League, and has offered little at Forest for years.

Yet, like many of the current squad, he appears to have come to life under the guidance of Vitor Pereira.

Taiwo Awoniyi's stats vs Chelsea
Minutes	90
Goals	2
xG	1.11
Passing accuracy	72%
Shot accuracy	100%

Awoniyi had a great game against Chelsea. Credit: Fotmob

Even before the match at Stamford Bridge, Awoniyi was on form, as he netted in the 3-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, and picked up an assist in the 5-0 win over Sunderland.

Now, after his stunning brace, Forest should look to partner him with Chris Wood on Thursday and drop Jesus in what could be a defining decision.

Taiwo Awoniyi has been nominated for the @PremierLeague's Player of the Matchweek. 🙌
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 5, 2026

While this would be a bold move, Jesus struggled against Villa last week and has found goals difficult to come by in the Europa League knockout stages.

As a result, by starting an on-form Awoniyi, it gives Forest the best chance to get an early goal and potentially end the tie.

How much could Nottingham Forest earn from winning the Europa League?

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Forest could land an extra £15million in prize money if they win the Europa League.

So far, the Tricky Trees have earned around £25m for reaching the semi-finals of the competition after knocking out the likes of Porto and Midtjylland to reach this stage.

On top of this, if they lift the trophy, they will also qualify for the Champions League, which will inevitably bring millions more into the club.

However, it remains to be seen if Forest can overcome Villa and then either Braga or Freiburg in the final to lift the trophy later this month.

Aston Villa