The Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest kicks off on Saturday, January 3, 2026, and how you can watch it depends heavily on your location.

In some countries, the match is available on a single streaming platform. In others, it requires cable access or is not available live at all. Below is a country-by-country guide explaining TV channels, streaming sites, costs, and free options, based on confirmed broadcast structures.

Match Information

  • Match: Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

  • Competition: Premier League

  • Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026

  • Kickoff (U.S.): 7:30 AM ET

  • Kickoff (UK): 12:30 PM GMT

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest

United States: Cable or Live TV Streaming Required

In the U.S., Premier League rights are held by NBC Sports.

TV Channel

  • USA Network

USA Network is a cable-only channel, meaning:

  • It is not available free over the air

  • A digital antenna will not work

Streaming Options (No Cable)

If you do not have traditional cable, you can watch live via:

  • DirecTV Stream

  • Sling Blue

These services carry USA Network and stream the same live broadcast.

Channel listings: https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/premier-league

Free Option in the U.S.

None.

Only matches aired on NBC’s main broadcast network are free, and this fixture is not one of them.

United Kingdom: Not Available Live Due to Broadcast Restrictions

The UK remains the most restrictive market for Premier League viewers.

Saturday Broadcast Blackout

If Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest kicks off at 3:00 p.m. UK time, it cannot be broadcast live anywhere in the UK, regardless of subscription.

This restriction applies to:

  • Sky Sports

  • TNT Sports

  • All streaming services

This match is not selected for a televised slot, so no live viewing is available.

What UK Fans Can Do Instead

  • Watch highlights on BBC (Match of the Day)

  • Follow live radio commentary

  • Watch extended highlights online after full-time

BBC football coverage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football

Canada: Full Live Coverage on One Platform

Canada offers the simplest viewing experience.

Streaming

All Premier League matches are streamed live on Fubo Canada.

  • Every match live

  • Full replays and highlights

  • No cable subscription required

Platform details: https://www.fubo.tv/stream/ca/

TV Channels

  • No free-to-air broadcasts

  • Not available on TSN or Sportsnet

Free Option in Canada

None.
However, one subscription covers the entire league.

Australia: One of the Best Value Options Worldwide

Australia provides complete Premier League access through a single service.

Streaming

All Premier League matches are available live on Optus Sport.

  • Live matches

  • Full match replays

  • Highlights and mini-matches

Service details: https://sport.optus.com.au/

TV Channels

  • No free-to-air broadcasts

  • Exclusive streaming rights

Country-by-Country: Where to Watch Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Live

France

Reality check:
Canal+ holds exclusive Premier League rights in France. No free-to-air option is available.

Germany

Reality check:
Germany offers full Premier League coverage, but entirely behind a paywall.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

  • Broadcaster / Streaming: beIN Sports MENA

  • Coverage: Full Premier League coverage across TV and streaming

  • Access type: Paid subscription

  • Official website: https://www.beinsports.com/en-mena/

Reality check:
beIN Sports is the exclusive rights holder across the Middle East, including the UAE. No legal free streams.

Brazil

  • Broadcaster / Streaming: ESPN Brasil / Star+

  • Coverage: Selected matches live, full coverage via streaming

  • Access type: Paid TV and streaming

  • Official websites:
    https://www.espn.com.br
    https://www.starplus.com

Reality check:
Most Premier League matches are available via Star+, while ESPN Brasil carries selected fixtures on TV.

India

  • Broadcaster / Streaming: Star Sports / Disney+ Hotstar

  • Coverage: Live Premier League matches with English and local-language commentary

  • Access type: Low-cost paid streaming

  • Official websites:
    https://www.hotstar.com
    https://www.starsports.com

Reality check:
India is one of the lowest-cost markets for legal Premier League streaming, but still not free.

Quick Global Summary

  • Europe (France, Germany): One major broadcaster per country, paid only

  • Middle East (UAE): Exclusive beIN Sports coverage

  • South America (Brazil): ESPN + Star+ combination

  • Asia (India): Star Sports + Hotstar, relatively low cost

Across all these countries:

  • No free-to-air global Premier League broadcasts

  • One official rights holder per territory

  • Availability depends strictly on location

Final Thoughts

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest highlights how Premier League access is shaped more by broadcast rules than by fan demand.

In the United States, live viewing depends on cable-linked services. In the United Kingdom, long-standing broadcast restrictions make live access impossible for many Saturday fixtures. Canada and Australia, by contrast, offer the most straightforward experience, with one platform carrying every match live.

For fans, the most practical advice is simple: check the local broadcaster before kickoff. When it comes to watching the Premier League, understanding your country’s broadcast system matters just as much as knowing the fixture list.