Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Tue 28 April 2026 7:00, UK

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Tammy Abraham has had a mixed start since returning to Aston Villa in the winter window.

While the striker has found little issue in scoring goals, netting three times to date, he has been unable to dislodge Ollie Watkins as the number one striker.

In the Premier League this season, he has only started once, despite Watkins’ inconsistent form.

Now, with Unai Emery’s side facing their biggest match of the season, the manager needs to get everything right.

As a result, Abraham’s inclusion in the starting XI is a must, with his fantastic goalscoring record likely to secure a memorable Aston Villa victory.

Tammy Abraham has an insane record vs Nottingham Forest

While Abraham may have spent much of his recent career abroad, most of it has been in the UK.

As a result, he has played Forest five times during his time in England.

In these matches, he has made a massive impact, netting five times overall, as well as picking up one assist.

Therefore, given this record and Watkins’ sub-par display in the defeat to Fulham on the weekend, Abraham should be given the nod to start in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday.

If Emery opts to do this, it will give the club a fantastic chance of coming away from the City Ground with an advantage ahead of the second leg.

Could Abraham become Aston Villa’s main striker next season?

Former Villa scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Watkins could be sold in the summer due to the club’s financial issues.

The striker has been linked away from Villa Park for some time, and with the 30-year-old not getting any younger, the coming months could be the perfect time to cash in.

As a result, Abraham could be promoted to the starting striker, especially if he is able to end the season on a good run of form.

The 28-year-old has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League multiple times since his return despite his lack of minutes.

However, it remains to be seen if Villa will sell Watkins, and if they do, they choose to replace him with a new signing or stick with what they have got.