The Matchday 24 clash in the Premier League between Nottingham Forest and Brighton will take place on February 1 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
In the last round, Nottingham suffered their third heavy defeat of the season. Playing away, the club was thrashed by Bournemouth (0-5). Previously, Nuno Espírito Santo's side only faltered in matches against Arsenal and Manchester City (both 0-3). Before this, Nottingham Forest enjoyed an eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League (7 wins and 1 draw). The team remains in third place, three points ahead of their closest pursuers.
Midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré is sidelined due to injury.
- No more than three goals were scored in 6 of Nottingham's last 8 Premier League games.
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 9 of the club's last 11 home matches in the league.
- Nuno Espírito Santo's side won the first half in 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates – Jota Silva, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga – Chris Wood.
Brighton
In the last round, the team suffered an unexpected home defeat to Everton (0-1). By losing to one of the league's lower-ranked teams, the club ended a six-match unbeaten run in the league, which included two wins and four draws. Additionally, Fabian Hurzeler's side failed to score for the third time this Premier League season. Brighton is in ninth place, six points behind the European competition spots.
Defender Ferdi Kadioglu, goalkeeper Jason Steele, midfielder James Milner, and forward Evan Ferguson will not play due to injuries. Midfielder Mats Wieffer is doubtful for the match.
- Both teams scored in 12 of the club's last 15 Premier League matches.
- Brighton has not won in 9 of their last 11 league games (6 draws and 3 losses).
- At least three goals were scored in 6 of the club's last 8 Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Bart Verbruggen – Tariq Lamptey, Jan Paul van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman – Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari – Brian Gruda, Kaoru Mitoma, Joao Pedro Jesus – Danny Welbeck.
Referee
Simon Hooper (England)
Matches – 14 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 7%.
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton
Both teams are equally strong at home and away, so home advantage is not a key factor in the upcoming match. Let's consider the clubs' performances against teams in the top half of the table. Nottingham Forest has played 11 matches against top-10 clubs this season, securing two wins, four draws, and five losses. At home, Nottingham has only one win in five matches (2 draws and 2 losses).
Brighton, on the other hand, has played 10 games against top-half teams, losing three times while securing four wins and three draws. Thus, it can be concluded that the hosts of the upcoming match have primarily collected points against teams in the lower half of the table, while often facing difficulties against their closest competitors. Additionally, Nottingham has failed to beat this opponent in their last three Premier League encounters (1 draw and 2 losses).
My prediction: Brighton to win or draw
