As Aston Villa prepares for Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague has pinpointed the first hour as the critical window for Unai Emery's side. That's when Villa's strongest XI will be on the pitch, and it could define their season.

Villa enter the match on the back of three straight defeats, with the squad desperate to end a 30-year wait for major silverware. Despite the recent dip in form, Balague believes this fixture represents a genuine turning point. "Europe is different, and Unai insisted on that in his press conference," Balague told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast. "It does feel like a turning point for the squad—not so much for Unai's story with Villa, which will continue despite the Atletico Madrid rumours—but this squad has something to prove."

The Spanish journalist highlighted a key dynamic within the Villa squad: a clear gap in quality between the top 12 or 13 players and the rest. "Those top players have adapted quickly to Emery's style, and what happens in that first hour with the best XI will be crucial," Balague explained. "I'm pretty sure Villa Park won't be like it was against Spurs, with fans leaving early. It will be rocking."

Forest, meanwhile, are flying high. "Sometimes it's not about who the best team is, but who has the momentum," Balague noted. "Forest have shown a sharpness that Villa lacked in the first leg." Yet, he remains confident in Emery's pedigree. "This is Unai Emery, and this is his competition. Villa are desperate to reach the final, so it will be very, very tight."

For fans and neutrals alike, this clash promises high stakes and high drama—a true test of character for a Villa squad on the brink of something special.