Aston Villa must avoid a derby hangover in tough Nottingham Forest test

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Aston Villa are now just four points off the Championship play-off places after Sunday’s thrilling 4-2 Second City derby victory over Birmingham City.

But Dean Smith will know that consistency is required if his side are to realise their ‘obsession’ of making the top two this season, or failing that, the top six.

That’s why he must ensure that there is no hangover from that derby win over their bitterest rivals. Villa Park was rocking on Sunday and the players responded with a display of attacking intent, but that has to be the standard from here on in.

The next visitors to Villa Park are Nottingham Forest, who have lost just one away game all season under Aitor Karanka.

A win would be Villa’s fourth straight Championship victory but Smith is confident that his side will not slacken off after the emotional occasion on Sunday.

The former Brentford boss has confidence that his side’s home form is as good as Forest’s away record and that they can make up the seven point gap on the top two, Norwich City and Leeds United.

Villa have lost just once at home, so something will have to give.