Brighton vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup Preview

• Brighton to qualify
• Both teams to score

The FA Cup quarter-finals continue with a highly anticipated clash at the Amex Stadium, where Brighton & Hove Albion host Nottingham Forest.

Both clubs are dreaming of a trip to Wembley, and while Brighton are aiming for a first-ever FA Cup title, Forest are hoping to add to their storied domestic cup history.

Brighton’s excellent form under Fabian Hürzeler and their dominance at home makes them slight favourites, but Nottingham Forest carry psychological weight after thrashing the Seagulls 7-0 in the most recent head-to-head.

With both sides in good form and a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, this promises to be a tense and entertaining encounter.

Brighton Chasing History on Home Soil

Brighton have been one of the form teams in England in recent weeks, unbeaten in their last seven matches (W6, D1).

That run has them firmly in contention for Champions League football, but the FA Cup remains a realistic and historic opportunity—no Brighton manager has ever lifted the trophy.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side will take confidence from playing this match at the Amex, where they’ve won four consecutive competitive matches, and their last two FA Cup quarter-finals have both ended in success (vs Millwall in 2018/19 on penalties and vs Grimsby in 2022/23).

While their 7-0 defeat to Forest last month is a major blemish, Brighton will be eager to avenge that loss and prove their pedigree at home, where they have been consistently strong.

Forest Look to Build on Stunning Recent H2H

Nottingham Forest may be the away side, but they travel to the south coast with plenty of belief, especially after their incredible 7-0 victory over Brighton in the last meeting between the sides.

That result, paired with a 2-2 draw earlier in the Premier League season at the Amex, gives Forest confidence that they can go toe-to-toe with the Seagulls.

Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has seen his side go four matches unbeaten (W3, D1) across all competitions.

Their FA Cup progression has required penalties on multiple occasions, with three of their last five ties going the distance, including the most recent win via shootout.

Forest will also take heart from the fact that two of the last three H2Hs at the Amex have ended in draws, suggesting this could again be a contest of fine margins.

Head-to-Head & Key Stats

• Brighton unbeaten in last 7 games (W6, D1)
• Brighton have won their last 4 home games
• Forest unbeaten in last 4 games (W3, D1)
• Forest won last H2H 7-0
• Two of the last three H2Hs at the Amex ended in a draw
• Brighton have won their last two FA Cup quarter-finals
• Forest have needed penalties to win three of their last five FA Cup ties

While Brighton hold the home advantage and momentum, Forest’s head-to-head dominance this season, including that 7-0 rout, suggests this could be a tightly contested tie.

Key Players to Watch

João Pedro (Brighton)

The Brazilian has been instrumental in Brighton’s FA Cup journey, with six goals and one assist in his last four FA Cup starts. His clinical finishing and movement make him a major threat, especially at home, where Brighton are so effective.

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

Wood has an outstanding record against Brighton, scoring 12 goals against them in his English club career—more than against any other opponent.

If Forest are to pull off another upset, they will need Wood’s experience and finishing ability to come to the fore once again.

Prediction: Who Will Book a Trip to Wembley?

Brighton’s strong home form, combined with their recent consistency and cup pedigree, gives them the edge on paper. However, Forest’s recent dominance in head-to-heads, especially the 7-0 hammering, cannot be ignored.

This has the makings of a tight, potentially extra-time or penalty-decided clash, especially considering Forest’s penalty-heavy FA Cup history. But Brighton’s quality and attacking firepower at home may just be enough to see them over the line.

Predicted Score: Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest (AET)

Brighton edge a hard-fought quarter-final, securing a return to Wembley and keeping their FA Cup dreams alive.