Preview: Brighton seeking redemption against Forest – Nottingham Forest vs Brighton

Brighton aims to avenge their 7-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in February during their upcoming match at the City Ground. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is motivated to improve their away form, while Kaoru Mitoma nears a return from injury. Nottingham boasts strong performance under Sean Dyche, despite Chris Wood’s absence.

INMR

November 29, 2025

2–3 minutes

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Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton visit the City Ground on Sunday to face Nottingham Forest. The Albion are looking to make amends for their humiliating 7-0 defeat in Nottingham back in February.

Speaking to the Athletic, Brighton goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, admitted that “nobody forgot what that day was like”.

Verbruggen added: “We have a lot to make up for in that stadium, which motivates us a lot.”

The Dutchman saved a 94th minute penalty in Brighton’s last match against Brentford, his first penalty save for the club. He also hasn’t conceded a goal from open play in over four and a half hours.

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The return of Jack Hinshelwood last time out helped Brighton to that 2-1 victory over the Bees and Hurzeler is hoping more key players will be back in the fold soon.

Kaoru Mitoma has been out of action for nine weeks with a foot injury, but Hurzeler revealed that the Japanese winger is “very close” to a return and that he will “definitely” be back on the pitch before Christmas.

The Albion have been in superb form at the Amex, but their away form isn’t as strong; in their last four away matches across all competitions, Brighton haven’t managed a win. Their last victory as visitors came in a 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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Forest have never beaten Brighton in back-to-back matches (in normal time) but are in fantastic form since the appointment of Sean Dyche. The Forest boss has led his side to a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions, and has only lost one of his first seven matches.

Chris Wood scored a hat-trick in this exact fixture last season, but won’t feature this time as he is still out with a knee injury. Sean Dyche’s side have still found the goals though, scoring three in their last three consecutive matches.

Dyche said: “We’ve not had him this season… the other players have responded very well to that challenge.”

This weekend’s clash kicks off at 14:05pm on Sunday. It is one of three matches kicking off five minutes later due to scheduling conflicts on Sunday afternoon.

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Written by Isabelle Newnham