Nottingham Forest development emerges ahead of Aston Villa clash next week

Aston Villa return to the action away at Nottingham Forest next Monday.

Steven Gerrard’s side become the latest team looking to take advantage of the Reds’ troubles so far this season.

They were promoted from the Championship via the play-offs last term and brought in 22 new faces over the summer to try and bolster their ranks.

However, it has taken a while for all their players to gel together and they find themselves bottom of the Premier League table after the opening eight games and have won only once.

Pressure is already mounting on boss Steve Cooper despite him working wonders to get them into the top flight in the first place.

New face

And now, a new update has emerged from the City Ground and they have brought in a new sporting director.

Filippo Giraldi has joined the Reds, as announced by their official club website, and the Villa game will be the first for him in his new job.

He has moved from Championship side Watford, where he spent nine years and will be looking to sort out some of the club’s problems around recruitment. The Italian has also worked for AC Prato and Brescia in the past.

Aston Villa drew 0-0 with Leeds United last time out and were frustrated not to win that one at Elland Road.

The Midlands outfit seem to be lacking that bit of cutting edge up top and are currently 14th in the league table.

Gerrard’s side are unbeaten in their last three outings though and have only let in one goal which was against Manchester City.