Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
FA Cup Quarter-Final Live: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Nottingham Forest – Match Preview and Team Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest are set to clash in a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final showdown. Both teams arrive with aspirations of securing a coveted spot in the semi-finals and inching closer to FA Cup glory. Brighton seeks to end a lengthy wait for their first major trophy, while Nottingham Forest aim to recapture past cup triumphs. Anticipation is high for this live football encounter, with kick-off scheduled for 5:15 pm.
Preamble
“And Smith must score!” The echoes of past dreams resonate as Brighton & Hove Albion strive to overcome decades of yearning for FA Cup success. A maiden title remains tantalizingly close yet elusive. Nottingham Forest, seasoned FA Cup victors, last lifted the trophy in 1959, a feat witnessed only by the older generation, though memories of Brian Clough’s near miss in 1991 linger for many. Both sides enter this contest with fervent desire and unwavering belief, each possessing the quality to hoist the cup in May. However, only one team will prevail tonight, potentially after a grueling battle extending into extra time and penalty kicks. The stage is set for an enthralling FA Cup quarter-final live.
Team Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion Starting XI:
Verbruggen, Hinshelwood, van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck.
Substitutes: McGill, Dunk, Gruda, Joao Pedro, Adingra, Cashin, Gomez, O’Riley, Tasker.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI:
Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Yates, Danilo, Awoniyi.
Substitutes: Carlos Miguel, Morato, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Toffolo, Alex, Jota Silva, Elanga, Boly.
Referee: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).
Updated:
Match Updates: Live Action
14 min
Mitoma dispossesses Gibbs-White near the halfway line. Murillo launches the free kick forward, leading to a brief aerial exchange. Danilo then surges down the left flank and cuts the ball back, but Hinshelwood is well-positioned to intercept. For now, determination seems to outweigh finesse.
12 min
Gibbs-White sets Williams free down the left wing. Williams earns another corner for Forest. Danilo delivers the ball into the box once more, and Van Hecke again rises to head it clear.
11 min
Awoniyi mistimes his challenge on Van Hecke. Upon closer inspection, it appears to be an awkward collision, with the Forest player losing his footing slightly. It seems unintentional, and Van Hecke reacts calmly. The incident occurs close to the technical areas, but both benches maintain composure.
Updated at:
9 min
Webster executes a superb diagonal pass towards Rutter on the right side. Rutter struggles to control the ball cleanly. If he had, he would have been advancing into the penalty area with a clear shot on goal. Murillo, however, is alert to the danger and clears the ball decisively.
7 min
Verbruggen delays his clearance from a straightforward back pass, almost allowing Danilo to close him down. He eventually manages to clear, but only after the ball deflects off the Forest attacker.
5 min
The opening minutes are characterized by frenetic energy. The play is somewhat disjointed with numerous misplaced passes as both teams implement high-pressing tactics.
3 min
Van Hecke wins the header from the corner kick, clearing the immediate threat. Brighton successfully avoid conceding an early goal, which would have intensified the pressure following their recent heavy defeat.
2 min
Williams advances down the left side, compelling Rutter to concede the first corner of the match. Danilo prepares to take the set piece.
1 min
Rutter displays quick footwork to evade Anderson on the right wing but is then brought down. Barely sixteen seconds into the game, a foul is committed. Memories are sparked of the previous encounter here in September which saw Morgan Gibbs-White and both managers sent off.
Kick-off!
Nottingham Forest gets the match underway. A surge of noise erupts from the home supporters, matched by vocal support from the away end.
The teams emerge!
A vibrant atmosphere engulfs the stadium in Sussex. Brighton are in their traditional blue and white stripes, while Nottingham Forest sport their primary red kit. We are moments away from the start.
Hürzeler on Previous Defeat
BBC Sport inquired whether Fabian Hürzeler addressed the previous 7-0 thrashing with his squad. He responded, “No… it’s crucial to observe the reactions… significant defeats… negative experiences… we’ve faced it… it’s about what strengthens us… that’s the emphasis… a reminder to execute the fundamentals correctly… outwork our rivals… Forest have adopted this approach against formidable teams like Chelsea and Liverpool… very defensively oriented… focusing on transitions… set plays… We must be alert in every aspect… aim to control the tempo… it will be a careful equilibrium.”
Santo on Team Selection
Nuno Espírito Santo, having opted to bench Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, told BBC Sport: “The cup provides a valuable opportunity for players who are dedicated and deserve playing time outside of the Premier League… players merit these chances… focusing game by game… today presents a challenging fixture.”
Flashback: Previous Encounters
Considering Gordon Smith mentions and risking Brighton fan’s ire, recalling their last meeting in February:
Seagulls fans can find solace in their undefeated home record against Forest since 2015, spanning five games. Their last home fixture against Forest in the Premier League last September was a lively affair.
Historical FA Cup Moments
Reliving Brighton’s near triumph in the 1983 FA Cup Final, a classic match where the replay was less dramatic.
Conversely, Nottingham Forest’s 1959 FA Cup victory was less celebrated.
Form Guide
Both teams enter this FA Cup quarter-final clash with impressive momentum. Brighton are currently unbeaten in seven matches, including two victories over Chelsea, an FA Cup win at Newcastle, and a comeback draw at Manchester City. Forest are undefeated in their last four, having held Arsenal and defeated Manchester City during this run. This Brighton vs Nottingham Forest match is genuinely difficult to predict.
Team News: Changes in Lineup
Brighton has made two alterations to their starting lineup from the 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Danny Welbeck and Yasin Ayari come in for João Pedro and Diego Gómez, who are named on the bench.
Nottingham Forest has made three adjustments following their 4-2 victory at Ipswich. Ryan Yates, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Danilo replace Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who are substitutes, and the injured Chris Wood.