Brighton and Hove Albion will be at home at the American Express Community Stadium this Saturday, March 29th, 2025, as they take on Nottingham Forest in the quarterfinals of the English FA Cup. Africa Football editor Allan Damba looks into the upcoming clash and provides his prediction.
Match Overview
Both sides will go all out in this cup competition, as it presents their only realistic chance of silverware this season. This is a one-legged tie, with extra-time or penalties to decide the winner if the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes.
To reach the quarterfinals, Brighton came from a goal down to defeat Newcastle United 2-1, thanks to goals from Yankuba Minteh and Danny Welbeck. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest edged past Ipswich Town in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory, after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Before the international break, Brighton earned a credible 2-2 draw against Manchester City, while Forest secured a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
Brighton Recent Form Analysis
Brighton are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, with four wins and one draw. Under Fabian Hürzeler, the team has shown attacking flair, scoring 12 goals and conceding just five during this run.
- Last Five Games: 4 wins, 1 draw
- Latest Result: Manchester City 2-2 Brighton
Nottingham Forest Recent Form Analysis
Nottingham Forest have had a mixed run in their last five outings, registering 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. They have been clinical going forward, scoring nine goals, but their defence has leaked seven.
- Last Five Games: 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss
- Latest Result: Ipswich Town 2-4 Nottingham Forest
Head-to-Head (Last Five Games)
- Nottingham Forest 7-0 Brighton
- Brighton 2-2 Nottingham Forest
- Brighton 1-0 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 2-3 Brighton
- Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brighton
Forest have had the upper hand in recent meetings, including a remarkable 7-0 victory earlier this season.
Our Prediction for Brighton vs Nottingham Forest
Brighton are in better current form and will seek revenge for the heavy loss suffered in the league. However, Nottingham Forest remain a dangerous opponent and have shown they can punish any lapses.
We recommend betting on:
- Both Teams to Score (YES) at 1.69 on 1xBet
- Over 2.5 Goals at 1.83 on 1xBet
Player to Watch: Ola Aina
Fresh from international duty with Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers, Ola Aina returns to club football as a key figure for Forest. With 30 appearances this season, Aina’s pace and defensive presence could be pivotal in this high-stakes clash.
Best Odds and Betting Tips
- Both Teams to Score (YES) – 1.69 on 1xBet
- Over 2.5 Goals – 1.83 on 1xBet
