Nottingham Forest vs Brighton: Premier League Preview & Tips

Published:
A general view inside the stadium prior to the Sky Bet Championship match at the City Ground, Nottingham.

Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Brighton

Date: Saturday, 1 February 2025

Kick-Off: 12:30 GMT

Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham

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Match Overview

Nottingham Forest host Brighton in an intriguing Premier League clash as both sides aim to consolidate their positions in the table. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest has built a strong defensive foundation, combining it with quick counter-attacks that make them particularly effective at home. Despite a heavy loss to Bournemouth in their last away game, Forest remains confident on their own turf.

Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, continues to impress with their possession-based style but has struggled with consistency. Injuries to key players have disrupted their momentum, but the Seagulls' midfield creativity and wide play could cause problems for Forest’s defence.

This clash looks set to be a close contest, with Forest's home advantage counterbalanced by Brighton's attacking fluidity. A hard-fought draw is a likely outcome.

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Injury and Suspension Updates

Nottingham Forest

  • Ibrahim Sangaré: Hamstring injury 
  • Callum Hudson-Odoi: Doubtful due to groin injury.

Brighton

  • Evan Ferguson: Ankle injury 
  • Igor Julio: Hamstring injury 
  • Ferdi Kadioglu: Toe injury 
  • James Milner: Hamstring injury 
  • Mats Wieffer: Thigh injury 
  • Jason Steele: Shoulder injury 
  • Pervis Estupinan: Muscle injury, doubtful. (No further details)

Team Form and Overview

Nottingham Forest

Recent Premier League Results:

  • Bournemouth (A): 0-5 (Loss)
  • Southampton (H): 3-2 (Win)
  • Liverpool (H): 1-1 (Draw)
  • Wolves (A): 3-0 (Win)
  • Everton (A): 2-0 (Win)

Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest has been strong, particularly in defence, focusing on quick counter-attacks. Despite a heavy defeat to Bournemouth, they remain well-organised at home.

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Brighton

Recent Premier League Results:

  • Everton (H): 0-1 (Loss)
  • Manchester United (A): 3-1 (Win)
  • Ipswich (A): 2-0 (Win)
  • Arsenal (H): 1-1 (Draw)
  • Aston Villa (A): 2-2 (Draw)

Brighton has shown moments of brilliance but inconsistency has hindered their progress. Despite injuries to key players, they remain a dangerous side with a fluid, possession-based style under manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

  • Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
  • Defenders: Neco Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Ola Aina
  • Midfielders: Ryan Yates (Captain), Nicolás Domínguez
  • Attacking Midfielders: Jota Silva, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga
  • Forwards: Chris Wood
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Brighton (4-4-2)

  • Goalkeeper: Bart Verbruggen
  • Defenders: Tariq Lamptey, Lewis Dunk (Captain), Jan Paul van Hecke, Pervis Estupiñán (if fit, if not Joel Veltman)
  • Midfielders: Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Yankuba Minteh
  • Forwards: João Pedro, Danny Welbeck

Tactical Insights

Nottingham Forest

  • Strengths: Organised defending, lethal counter-attacks, and strong home form.
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable when holding possession for prolonged periods.

Brighton

  • Strengths: Midfield creativity, wide play through Mitoma, and solid ball retention.
  • Weaknesses: Difficulty in converting possession into goals due to injuries in the forward line

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This match promises to be a tightly contested affair. While Nottingham Forest has the home advantage, Brighton’s possession-based style and attacking options could pose a significant challenge.

Fun Fact

Brighton have failed to secure a victory at the City Ground in their last six visits. Will they break this streak on Saturday?

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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