Brighton vs Nottingham Forest - Preview, prediction, team news and lineups | OneFootball

Just last month, Forest demolished Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground, the Seagulls' biggest league defeat since 1958 and the Reds' most-emphatic league victory since 1991.

However, Forest are winless in five visits to Sussex, losing three of them.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest Preview

These two Premier League high-fliers are set to clash in the FA Cup for the very first time, but who will have a Wembley date to look forward to next month?

Hosts Brighton & Hove Albion were beaten FA Cup Finalists in 1983, and have featured in just two semi-finals subsequently, defeated by Man City in 2019 and Man United on penalties two seasons ago. This time round, the Seagulls have seen off Norwich, Chelsea and Newcastle to get this far, coming from a goal down to prevail on Tyneside, with Danny Welbeck snatching victory in extra time.

Meanwhile, Fabian Hürzeler's side are in excellent form in the Premier League, enjoying four successive victories, a new club-record in the top division, prior to a credible 2-2 draw at Manchester City a fortnight ago. As a result, Brighton have climbed up to sixth, on course to get back into the Europa League for the second time in three seasons. So now, will the Seagulls have FA Cup progression to celebrate by the South Coast come Saturday evening?

As for Nottingham Forest, they got their hands on the FA Cup in both 1898 and 1959, but they haven't gone beyond this stage since 1991, beaten by Tottenham in that year's final. As Nuno Espírito Santo's side seek to change that, they first comfortably overcome Luton, before requiring penalty shootouts to oust both Exeter and Ipswich, with Matz Selz the Monday night hero in the latter.

In the Premier League meantime, the Garibaldi Reds are on course for their highest finish in three decades, currently third, six points clear of the chasing pack, seeking to remain in the Champions League positions. Last time out, a fortnight ago, they swatted aside Ipswich 4-2 at Portman Road, with Nikola Milenković breaking the deadlock, Anthony Elanga scoring twice and then Jota Silva cementing the victory. Thus, both teams will be full of confidence, making this quarter-final clash in Sussex extremely tough to call.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record

Brighton & Hove Albion Team News

Fabian Hürzeler remains without Jason Steele, Tariq Lamptey, Joël Veltman, Lewis Dunk, Igor, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, James Milner, Matt O'Riley and Solly March, limiting his option, albeit Brighton's recent form means few changes are forecasting regardless.

In the absence of Veltman and Lamptey, Jack Hinshelwood will continue to deputise at right-back, with Yasin Ayari expected to displace Diego Gómez at the base of midfield, following the latter's international travels. Lastly, in attack, João Pedro is set to continue to lead the line, thereby chosen over Danny Welbeck, hero of the previous round.

Brighton & Hove Albion predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-4-1-1): Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Webster, van Hecke, Estupiñán; Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Mitoma; Georginio, João Pedro.

Brighton & Hove Albion Player to Watch vs Nottingham Forest

Georginio Rutter has eight goals to his name this season, three of which have come in the FA Cup, while six of his eight strikes have come since mid-January.

Nottingham Forest Team News

In a potentially major blow for Nuno Espírito Santo's side, Chris Wood hobbled off in Auckland on Monday, having helped New Zealand qualify for the World Cup. Forest's top-scorer this season bagging a hat-trick against Brighton last month, so they'll desperate for him to be fit, with Taiwo Awoniyi the most-likely deputy if he's not.

That issue aside, an unchanged lineup is forecast, with Nicolás Domínguez alongside Elliot Anderson seemingly the first-choice midfield pairing, chosen over Danilo, Ibrahim Sangaré and Ryan Yates. Nuno has heavily rotated in previous rounds, but surely will not continue with this stratergy here.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Brighton & Hove Albion: (4-5-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Domínguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.

Nottingham Forest Player to Watch vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Anthony Elanga scored twice at Ipswich a fortnight ago, also on target against Northern Ireland in Stockholm on Tuesday, so can he add to his five club goals this season, having registered a hat-trick of assists the last time these two clubs met?

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest Prediction

As alluded to earlier, this tie is extremely tough to call, but we are, just about, backing Brighton to make home advantage count and reach the semis: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Nottingham Forest.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest FAQs - FA Cup

How to watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup game on TV channel?

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;

How to watch Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup game on live streaming?

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;

What is the date and kick-off time for Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup?

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest takes place on Saturday 29 March 2025, with kick off at 17:15 (GMT), 13:15 (EDT) & 10:15 (PST).