Match Information
Match Overview
Brighton welcome Nottingham Forest to the Amex Stadium for Matchday 28 of this Premier League campaign, with both sides occupying mid-table positions but heading in contrasting directions. This regular season fixture takes on added significance given the divergent trajectories of these two clubs over recent weeks.
The most striking factor heading into this encounter is the stark contrast in recent form and rest advantage. Brighton have enjoyed a full week of preparation following their 2-0 defeat at Brentford, allowing Fabian Hurzeler to work with his squad and address tactical concerns. In stark contrast, Nottingham Forest face a severe fatigue disadvantage, having played just two days ago in their Europa League Round of 32 clash against Fenerbahçe, where they suffered a 2-1 defeat despite taking the tie to aggregate victory. This fixture congestion could prove decisive, particularly in the latter stages of the match.
The injury situation presents mixed fortunes for both managers. Brighton's concerns center around Yasin Ayari's shoulder problem and Solly March's knee issue, both listed as questionable, while they'll definitely be without S. Tzimas and Adam Webster due to knee injuries. Forest face more significant absences with key goalkeeper Mads Sels ruled out with a groin injury, forcing them to rely on Stefan Ortega, while striker Chris Wood's knee problem removes their primary attacking threat. Willy Boly and John Victor are also sidelined with knee injuries, limiting Vitor Pereira's defensive options.
The head-to-head record adds another intriguing dimension, with recent encounters producing dramatic swings. Brighton's comprehensive 7-0 victory at the City Ground last season stands as a remarkable result, while Forest secured a vital 2-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this campaign. These contrasting results suggest unpredictability remains a hallmark of this fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Brighton
Verbruggen; Wieffer, van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Hinshelwood, Milner, Gross; Gomez, Welbeck, Mitoma
Nottingham Forest
Ortega; Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Murillo; Yates, Anderson; McAtee, Dominguez, Hudson-Odoi; Lucca
Team Form Analysis
Brighton
Brighton Form Analysis
Brighton's recent form presents a picture of inconsistency that has characterized their season. The Seagulls have managed just one win in their last five Premier League outings, collecting four points from a possible fifteen. Their most recent league defeat at Brentford highlighted ongoing defensive vulnerabilities, shipping two first-half goals in what became a comprehensive 2-0 loss. This result extended a concerning trend of failing to score in crucial away fixtures.
However, Brighton's attacking statistics remain respectable across the season, having found the net 36 times in 27 league matches. The creative partnership between Pascal Gross and Jack Hinshelwood continues to provide the platform for their forward players, while Danny Welbeck's experience and Kaoru Mitoma's pace offer different tactical approaches. Their home form has been notably stronger than their away record, with the Amex Stadium providing a more comfortable environment for Hurzeler's possession-based approach.
The concerning aspect remains their defensive record, having conceded 34 goals, suggesting structural issues that the German coach is still addressing. Their recent cup victory over Manchester United demonstrated their potential when everything clicks, but consistency remains elusive in league competition.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Form Analysis
Nottingham Forest's form has been a tale of European excitement overshadowed by domestic struggles. While their Europa League campaign has provided memorable nights, including progression to the Round of 32, their Premier League form has been deeply concerning. Forest have won just seven of their 27 league matches, leaving them precariously positioned in 17th place, only ten points above the relegation zone.
Their recent domestic record makes for grim reading, with just one league win in their last eight Premier League fixtures. The absence of Chris Wood through injury has exposed their lack of reliable goalscoring alternatives, with the team managing just 25 goals in 27 league matches - one of the lowest tallies in the division. Lorenzo Lucca has struggled to fill the void left by the New Zealand international, while the creative burden has fallen heavily on Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Defensively, Forest have shown some resilience, particularly at home, but their away form remains a significant concern. The midweek European exertions have clearly impacted their domestic performances, with Vitor Pereira's squad appearing to lack the depth necessary to compete effectively on multiple fronts. The Portuguese manager faces the challenge of reinvigorating a group that appears mentally and physically drained from their continental commitments.
Head-to-Head
Brighton
Nottingham Forest
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-30 | Nottingham Forest | 0 - 2 | Brighton |
| 2025-03-29 | Brighton | 0 - 0 | Nottingham Forest |
| 2025-02-01 | Nottingham Forest | 7 - 0 | Brighton |
| 2024-09-22 | Brighton | 2 - 2 | Nottingham Forest |
| 2024-03-10 | Brighton | 1 - 0 | Nottingham Forest |
| 2023-11-25 | Nottingham Forest | 2 - 3 | Brighton |
| 2023-04-26 | Nottingham Forest | 3 - 1 | Brighton |
| 2022-10-18 | Brighton | 0 - 0 | Nottingham Forest |
| 2017-03-04 | Nottingham Forest | 3 - 0 | Brighton |
| 2016-08-12 | Brighton | 3 - 0 | Nottingham Forest |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between Brighton and Nottingham Forest has produced some truly memorable encounters that showcase the unpredictable nature of this fixture. The standout moment came in February 2025 when Forest demolished Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground in one of the most shocking Premier League results of recent years. This extraordinary scoreline demonstrated Forest's attacking potential when everything aligns, while highlighting Brighton's vulnerability when their defensive structure breaks down.
In complete contrast, Brighton secured a comprehensive 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the City Ground earlier this season, showing their ability to impose their style on Forest's home patch. The 2024 encounter at the Amex produced a thrilling 2-2 draw that epitomized the competitive nature of this matchup, with both sides showcasing their attacking qualities in an end-to-end spectacle.
Perhaps most dramatically, their 2025 FA Cup quarter-final required a penalty shootout after a goalless draw, with Forest prevailing 4-3 on spot-kicks. This encounter demonstrated the tactical chess match these sides often produce, with both managers' systems neutralizing each other effectively.
Venue Factor
The Amex Stadium factor could prove crucial in determining the outcome of this fixture. Brighton's home record this season shows five wins, six draws, and two defeats from 13 matches, indicating the venue provides a significant advantage for Hurzeler's side. The modern stadium's design creates an intimate atmosphere that can lift the home players while potentially intimidating visiting teams, particularly those struggling with confidence like Forest.
Forest's away form presents a stark contrast to their home performances, having managed just four wins from 13 away fixtures this season. Their struggles on the road stem partly from an inability to adapt their game plan to different environments, often appearing less comfortable when unable to rely on home crowd support. The additional factor of midweek European travel compounds these difficulties, with players potentially feeling the effects of fixture congestion more acutely in unfamiliar surroundings.
The passionate Brighton support has been particularly vocal this season, creating a cauldron-like atmosphere for key matches. Given Forest's precarious league position and recent poor form, the psychological pressure of performing at a venue where they have historically struggled could prove decisive in what promises to be a crucial encounter for both clubs' seasonal ambitions.
Injury Concerns
Brighton
Nottingham Forest
