Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira believes "with good vibes we can achieve anything" ahead of their Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa.

Forest welcome Villa to the City Ground for the first leg on Thursday in what will be the first major European semi-final between two English teams since the 2008-09 Champions League between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Forest are into their fourth major European semi-final, previously playing at this stage in the 1978-79 and 1979-80 European Cup – reaching and winning the final in both – and 1983-84 UEFA Cup, where they lost 3-2 on aggregate to Anderlecht.

The Tricky Trees have had 232 shots, 88 shots on target and 414 touches in the opposition box, all the second most of any side in the Europa League this season behind Bologna in each category. Forest have accumulated the most xG, however (27.8).

Forest boosted their Premier League survival hopes with a 5-0 win at Sunderland on Friday, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone.

Pereira has urged his Forest players to have a positive mindset during this part of the season, insisting there is no reason for them to feel pressure compared to what others face in life.

"It will be good energy. What I ask every time in training and in games is for good energy," said Pereira.

"With good vibes we can achieve miracles, and in the end, we can be proud of ourselves.

"I think being positive is the only way to live life. We are moving our legs, we are breathing, it's good weather. The family is happy.

"We are ready to fight until the end, which is the only mentality I want to see.

"Almost all of us have a fantastic life. When we say it's a big challenge, of course it is, but it's a good challenge. For some people, it is a challenge to move. This is a good challenge.

"I work in the Premier League. I have no reason to be worried, I just want to be there, enjoy it and compete."