Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction - Premier League

Scott Thornton brings you his Brighton vs Nottingham Forest preview as the two prepare to lock horns in the FA Cup on Saturday. 

The Seagulls are undefeated since losing 7-0 against Nottingham Forest at the start of February. Their good run has seen them move up to 7th in the Premier League, within touching distance of the top four. However, this weekend’s focus is winning the first piece of major silverware in the club’s history. 

Nuno Espirito Santo came to Forest midway through last season with the club battling relegation. The team are on course to qualify for the Champions League in his first season in charge but winning a cup would be viewed as an even greater success. 

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: High-Flying Seagulls Will Take Some Stopping

England, FA Cup, Saturday, March 29th, 17:15 (UK)

Brighton were comprehensively beaten when they faced Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on February 1st. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side netted seven goals from an xG of 3.41. This time around they will be without Chris Wood, who netted a hat-trick in the previous meeting. Forest are a very different prospect without their clinical focal point up front.

The Seagulls responded wellto being beaten by Forest last month so they come into the game full of confidence. They drew 2-2 with Manchester City at the Etihad prior to the international break. Fabian Hürzeler’s team finished the game with more shots and a higher xG than Pep Guradiola’s side. 

The away draw with City meant that Brighton are now unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions. Over that period, they have scored an average of 2.29 goals per game and conceded just 0.86.  The Seagulls have also won their last four matches at the Amex Arena, beating Chelsea twice, Bournemouth and Fulham.

Brighton also have a strong record against Forest at this ground. They are unbeaten in the last five head-to-heads in front of their own fans, a run which dates back to 2015 when both teams were playing in the Championship. The Seagulls have won three of those matches and kept a clean sheet in four. This bodes well ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup meeting, where Brighton will be looking to avenge their 7-0 hammering.

Nottingham Forest’s recent away form is also cause for concern. They have lost three of their last four Premier League matches on the road, conceding 11 goals in the process. Nuno’s side’s only away triumph since January 6th was a 4-2 win against Ipswich, who are destined for relegation. They travelled to face Exeter on their way to the FA Cup quarter-finals and needed penalties to progress with the scores level at 2-2.

The formbook says that Brighton have the edge so their odds of 1.80 on the 1×2 market appeal ahead of this game. Chris Wood’s absence should help the Seagulls even further. 

• Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Brighton To Win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.83
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10 (TRACKED BET)

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, September 26th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Team News: Wood’s Absence Could be Key

Brighton have several injury concerns. Igor Julio, Jason Steele, James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu and Tariq Lamptey will all miss this clash. The likes of Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman face late injury tests. Luckily for Hürzeler, the Seagulls have a very deep squad thanks to their superb recruitment in recent years. 

Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that Chris Wood would be unavailable for this clash after the striker picked up an injury playing for New Zealand on international duty. Taiwo Awoniyi will likely lead the line in Wood’s absence. Forest are at full strength elsewhere. The likes of Milenkovic and Aina have been exceptional at the back. Nuno needs another solid display from his defensive line. 

Brighton possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Hecke, Webster, Estupinan; Baleba, Gomez, Ruter; Minteh, Mitoma, Welbeck

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi

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