Two of the Premier League’s in-form sides go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon as Brighton & Hove Albion host Nottingham Forest.

The beginning of the Fabian Hurzeler era has been overwhelmingly positive to date, even if a frustrating draw with newly-promoted Ipswich Town felt like a wasted opportunity. However, after beating Manchester United and drawing with Arsenal already this term, Brighton secured their spot in the Carabao Cup fourth round midweek after a dramatic win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The south coast side are unbeaten under their young German manager but they will be tested by the surprise package of the opening weeks of the 2024/25 season this Sunday.

Nottingham Forest are making the trip south as they look to build on a mightily impressive victory over Liverpool last weekend. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s strike earned the Midlands side their first win at Anfield in 55 years and maintained their unbeaten Premier League record at the start of the new term.

Here is 90min’s guide to Brighton vs Nottingham Forest.

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Hurzeler has revealed that star striker Joao Pedro is still a doubt for Sunday’s clash after missing both of Brighton’s games after the international break. He will return to team training before Forest’s visit but may still be absent with a minor injury concern.

Solly March is still sidelined with a long-term injury and he is joined by James Milner and new signings Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley in the treatment room.

Ferdi Kadioglu scored on his second appearance for Brighton midweek following a summer move from Fenerbahce and the attack-minded left-back could start this weekend. Evan Ferguson also started his first game for the Seagulls since March on Wednesday but will likely be relegated to the bench.

Brighton predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu; Ayari, Baleba; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s only confirmed absentees for the trip to Brighton are midfielders Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare. The former broke his ankle on the opening day of the season and the latter has since injured his hamstring and faces a significant spell on the sidelines.

Forest fielded a very midfield-centric side against Liverpool as they looked to nullify their opponents’ attacking threat, but they can afford to play with a little more freedom at the Amex. As a result, Anfield game-changers Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi could be restored to the starting XI.

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Ward-Prowse; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.

Both sides have made encouraging starts to 2024/25, picking up two wins and two draws apiece. However, we fancy Brighton to condemn Forest to their first Premier League defeat of the season this weekend.

Forest may play with a little more attacking expression on the south coast and could be hurt by Brighton’s exciting forward line as a result – especially if Pedro features. It’s unlikely to be a high-scoring affair or a routine win for the Seagulls, but we’re backing their superior quality to make the difference.

Prediction: Brighton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

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