Brighton vs Nottingham Forest: FA Cup Quarter Final Preview

Brighton: Recent Form & Team News

Brighton & Hove Albion have been one of the most impressive sides in the Premier League this season, and their recent form under Fabian Hurzeler has been nothing short of sensational. The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of those games, while also progressing to the FA Cup quarter-finals for the third time in five years.

Their path to this stage of the competition saw them overcome Newcastle United in a thrilling 2-1 encounter, where Danny Welbeck proved to be the hero once again, scoring the decisive goal in extra time. That victory was particularly sweet for Brighton, as they had previously beaten Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier in the Premier League campaign.

However, Brighton will be wary of their defensive issues, having conceded twice against Manchester City in a 2-2 draw before the international break. Injuries have also been a concern, with key players such as Tariq Lamptey (ankle), Jason Steele (shoulder), Igor Julio (hamstring), James Milner (thigh), and Ferdi Kadioglu (foot) all struggling with fitness issues.

While Lewis Dunk (abdominal), Matt O'Riley (knee), Solly March (unspecified), and Joel Veltman (ankle) are all pushing for returns, their availability could be crucial if Brighton are to continue their impressive unbeaten run.

Nottingham Forest: Recent Form & Team News

Nottingham Forest have enjoyed a solid season under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, who has led his side to third place in the Premier League table. However, Forest’s fortunes have been mixed in recent weeks, with their progress hampered by inconsistency.

Their road to the quarter-finals has been marked by resilience and composure, particularly in their narrow penalty shootout win over Ipswich Town in the last round. Forest managed to overcome Ipswich’s challenge despite conceding twice in regulation time, extending their run of poor defensive displays away from home.

Forest’s defensive frailties have been highlighted by conceding multiple goals in each of their last five away matches. Despite these issues, their attacking prowess was evident when they thrashed Brighton 7-0 in February, a result that remains fresh in the minds of both teams heading into this encounter.

The visitors will be missing Chris Wood, who sustained a hip injury while on international duty. His absence means that Taiwo Awoniyi is likely to lead the line, supported by the likes of Danilo, Morato, and Ibrahim Sangare, who were all involved in the win over Ipswich.

Carlos Miguel (hamstring) will also be unavailable, limiting Forest’s options in goal.

Head-to-Head Record & Stats

• This will be the first-ever FA Cup meeting between the two sides.
• Nottingham Forest humiliated Brighton 7-0 earlier this year, but their last league encounter ended in a 2-2 draw.
• Brighton have advanced from their previous two FA Cup quarter-final appearances (2019, 2023).
• Nottingham Forest have lost their last three FA Cup quarter-finals, last making the semi-finals in 1991.
• Brighton have scored at least two goals in each of their last seven matches.
• Nottingham Forest have conceded two or more goals in their last five away games.

What to Expect

Both teams enter this quarter-final clash with something to prove. Brighton are aiming to maintain their impressive unbeaten run and secure another trip to Wembley, while Nottingham Forest are hoping to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1991.

The Seagulls’ attacking firepower will likely be their biggest weapon, but they must tighten up defensively to avoid the same fate they suffered against Forest earlier this season. Conversely, Forest will need to shore up their backline to stand a chance against Brighton’s dynamic forward line.

With injuries plaguing both squads, squad depth and tactical adjustments could be the deciding factors in what promises to be a thrilling contest at the Amex Stadium.