Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
With an FA Cup semi-final spot hanging in the balance on Saturday evening, Brighton will welcome Nottingham Forest to the Amex.
Brighton
Starting with the hosts, while Fabian Hurzeler might have only arrived at the Amex last summer, the 32-year-old has made quite the immediate impact. Heading into March’s international break with a dramatic 2-2 stalemate away at soon-to-be former champions Manchester City, the Seagulls find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Producing a sensational FA Cup comeback away at Newcastle earlier in the month as they snatched a 2-1 win at St. James’ Park, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Mustering 13 points from their previous five Premier League appearances, Brighton have also gained a reputation for their clinical performances in the final third. Including a 3-0 romp against Chelsea on February 14th, Saturday’s hosts have notched 17 goals in just their last seven showdowns against top-flight opposition.
Brighton Team News
Missing out against Manchester City prior to March’s international break, Brighton are once again sweating over the fitness of former Chelsea starlet Tariq Lamptey this weekend. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, the Seagulls will once again be without the likes of James Milner, Matt O’Riley and Brazilian defender Igor.
Featuring from the Seleco over the past week and attracting plenty of heavyweight interest ahead of the summer transfer window, Joao Pedro will lead the line on Saturday evening. Making a real impact after arriving from Inter Miami back in January, 21-year-old Diego Gomez could keep his spot in the middle of the park.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, while Nottingham Forest might have spent the majority of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Nuno Espírito Santo has seen his squad come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Only continuing to underline their status as one of Europe’s ultimate surprise packages, the former Wolves boss finds his side sat firmly in the driving seat to punch an iconic Champions League ticket in 2025. Heading into March’s international break with an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Ipswich, Forest are in the midst of what has become a famous fairytale at the City Ground. Likewise, storming their way to an astonishing 7-0 romp when they welcomed Brighton to Nottingham back on February 1st, Santo’s men will be looking to punch their FA Cup semi-final ticket with another statement here.
Nottingham Forest Team News
While Brazilian shot-stopper Carlos Miguel might be dealing with a recent thigh issue, Nottingham Forest have no fresh injury concerns to worry about ahead of Saturday’s trip to the Amex. Despite notching just a single Premier League strike this season, Taiwo Awoniyi could be handed a rare start this weekend.
Likewise, despite making a single Premier League appearance over the past couple of months, Aston Villa loanee Alex Moreno will be hoping to get some minutes under his belt. Skipper Ryan Yates should be handed a full recall and partner Elliot Anderson in the middle of the park.
Brighton vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- When Brighton and Nottingham Forest last met back on February 1st, Saturday’s guests collected a sensational 7-0 romp at the City Ground.
- The Seagulls have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League appearances.
- Brighton have won their previous four showdowns at the Amex by an aggregate score of 9-3.
- Nottingham Forest have collected consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since opening the New Year.
- Forest’s last five showdowns away from the City Ground have produced 25 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Watching Nottingham Forest storm their way to what was an iconic 7-0 romp when they welcomed Brighton to the City Ground for a Premier League showdown on February 1st, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller this weekend. With Santo’s side gaining a reputation for their action-packed battles outside of Nottingham, chances could come thick and fast on Saturday evening. With their last five matchups away from the City Ground producing a staggering 25 goals at both ends of the pitch, we are expecting another enjoyable FA Cup battle from the Amex.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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