The end of Steve Cooper's reign at Nottingham Forest looked worryingly nigh when his side fell to the foot of the Premier League table following last Monday's 4-0 defeat at Leicester. 

However, the Welshman received some good news on Friday with the club confirming he had signed a new deal until 2025 and he will hope to celebrate his extension by beating Aston Villa on Monday. 

The Villans are unbeaten in three games, a run that began with a 1-1 draw against Manchester City before they got the better of Southampton 1-0 and drew 0-0 at Leeds. 

Despite the improvement of their results, Steven Gerrard's side have lacked imagination and were slammed for their negative tactics at Elland Road, despite the Whites being reduced to 10 men after 48 minutes. 

While Gerrard may have greater aspirations than mid-table, his team's current predicament means they need to win games like this — suggesting it could be a fiery contest at the City Ground. 

Team news

Cooper switched to a back four at Leicester but may revert to a three-man defence following his side's struggles, with Joe Worrall potentially coming into the side. 

Fellow defenders Omar Richards and Moussa Niakhate are still sidelined, although the former was thought to be close to full fitness. 

For Villa, Leon Bailey will be assessed, while former Forest man Matty Cash is back in training and could return. 

Calum Chambers is expected to be available and both he and Cash could be required with left-backs Lucas Digne and Ludwig Augustinsson both sidelined, alongside fellow defender Diego Carlos and midfielder Boubacar Kamara. 

The stats

Forest sit bottom of the Premier League table having won just once since winning promotion from the Championship. 

Cooper's men have the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League behind Leicester, conceding 21 goals, while their average of 0.75 goals scored per game is also a worry. 

Villa have also netted just six times in eight games. 

However, they will be confident of a change in scoring fortunes with the Tricky Trees having conceded at least three goals in their last four matches. 

This is the first time the teams have played at the City Ground in the Premier League since November 1998. 

On that occasion, the pair played out a 2-2 draw, before Villa won the following April's return game 2-0. 

Prediction

Cooper's new deal could inspire Forest and they are sure to be better than against Leicester. 

The same could be said of Villa, who were very disappointing in their draw at Elland Road and, despite being unbeaten in three, need to improve after a run of largely lethargic performances. 

With both sides needing the points, a lively clash is likely and Villa's greater quality should see them through against a Forest team that understandably lacks cohesion. 

A win at 11/10 could lift Villa into the top half of the table and considering their hosts' defensive woes, there could be goals in this game, with over 3.5 goals priced at 5/2.