The Premier League returns to the City Ground this Saturday as Nottingham Forest looks to bounce back after a heavy 5-0 defeat to Bournemouth last week. With hopes of securing a Champions League spot still alive, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side faces Brighton & Hove Albion, who are also looking to recover from a frustrating 1-0 loss to Everton at home.
Recent Form: A Tale of Two Teams
Forest’s nightmare performance against Bournemouth came as a shock, especially after their nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. The Tricky Trees had previously impressed, even hinting at a Premier League title challenge. However, the loss has dampened their spirits, and the team is eager to regain their winning form at home. The City Ground has been a fortress for Forest, with five wins and one draw in their last six home games.
On the other hand, Brighton had been riding high with an unbeaten run before their loss to Everton. Despite the setback, Fabian Hurzeler’s side remains in the hunt for European spots, sitting just six points outside the top six. The Seagulls will be determined to continue their impressive away form, having won their last three matches on the road, including a strong 3-2 victory at the City Ground last season.
Team News: Key Injuries and Possible Lineups
Nottingham Forest
- Callum Hudson-Odoi is a doubt after missing the Bournemouth clash due to a groin injury. If fit, he will likely return to the starting lineup, replacing Jota Silva.
- Ibrahim Sangare remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
- Captain Ryan Yates may be replaced by Nicolas Dominguez after a first-half substitution last week.
Possible Starting XI
Sels; Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Brighton & Hove Albion
- Pervis Estupinan was absent last week due to an unexplained issue, with no update yet on his condition.
- Brighton will also be without Jason Steele (shoulder), Igor Julio (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), James Milner (thigh), Mats Wieffer (thigh), Solly March (muscle), and Evan Ferguson, who could leave on loan before the deadline.
- Georginio Rutter, Simon Adingra, and Yankuba Minteh are all options for a recall.
Possible Starting XI
Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Lamptey; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
Despite last week’s humiliating defeat, Forest is expected to quickly recover in front of their home crowd. The team has shown resilience all season and will be fired up to prove their title aspirations are still alive. Brighton’s attacking prowess away from home is undeniable, but their inability to break down Everton last week was concerning. Forest’s strong home form, combined with Brighton’s recent struggles, should see the Tricky Trees edge this one.
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