Prediction: Brighton vs Nottingham Forest

Verdict: Brighton win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Two sides who have enjoyed their own respective bright starts to the new campaign, Brighton will welcome Nottingham Forest to the Amex on Sunday afternoon.

Brighton

Starting with the hosts, while some around the Amex might have been left disappointed over the summer as Roberto De Zerbi left the club, they have embarked on a sensational start to life under new boss Fabian Hurzeler. Although the Seagulls might have been forced to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Premier League returners Ipswich last weekend, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad gain a string of plaudits. Heading into September’s international break with a 1-1 stalemate away at title contenders Arsenal, Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in all of their first six domestic appearances across all competitions. Making a heavyweight statement on August 24th as they claimed a 2-1 victory at home against Manchester United, Brighton have their sights firmly set on punching a famous European return this season.

Team News

Suffering a long-term ankle injury on his Brighton debut last month, former Celtic star Matt O’Riley remains on the sidelines and will not feature this weekend. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance across any competition since opening up the new campaign, Solly March will not play any part on Sunday afternoon.

Already notching a pair of Premier League strikes, former England international Danny Welbeck will lead Brighton’s charge at the Amex. Settling for a spot on the bench against Wolves earlier in the week, Lewis Dunk will make a full return here and lead out Hurzeler’s side.

Nottingham Forest

As for the visitors, while Nottingham Forest might have spent large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at a looming relegation scrap, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have come roaring back this time around. Marking their return from September’s international break with a famous performance away at Anfield as they secured a 1-0 victory against Liverpool, the former Wolves boss has not seen his squad suffer a single defeat from any of their first four Premier League appearances. With the mood around the City Ground appearing to be at a red-hot high, Forest will be looking to make another statement here. However, facing what could be a stern challenge when they travel to the Amex on Sunday afternoon, Santo’s men were hit with a 1-0 loss when they last travelled to Brighton back on March 10th.

Team News

Undergoing ankle surgery last month after sustaining a broken ankle, Nottingham Forest will travel to the Amex without Brazilian midfielder Danilo this weekend. Likewise, set for what could be a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, former PSV star Ibrahim Sangre will not feature here.

Coming off the bench and bagging a sensational winner at Anfield last weekend, former Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi could be handed a full recall. Impressing on his first Forest start last week, West Ham loanee James Ward-Prowse will keep his spot in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

When Brighton and Nottingham Forest last met back on March 10th, the Seagulls collected a 1-0 victory on home soil. Both of Sunday’s opponents are unbeaten in each of their first four respective Premier League appearances this season. Each of Forest’s first four Premier League appearances this season have finished with under 2.5 goals. Brighton have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their first five meetings against Premier League opposition. Continuing on from last season, Nottingham Forest have won their previous four Premier League matchups away from the City Ground.

Conclusion

While Nottingham Forest might have enjoyed a stellar start to the new campaign, Sunday’s guests have a real task on their hands here. Meeting a Brighton squad that are looking to book a famous European return this season, the Seagulls will be excited by their most recent showdown against Forest. Landing a 1-0 win when they welcomed Santo’s squad to the Amex back on March 10th, we are expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Verdict: Brighton win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Luckster