Brighton and Forest Aim to Extend Unbeaten Runs at the Amex

Both Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest have kicked off their Premier League campaigns unbeaten and will aim to maintain their strong starts when they face off at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

After four games, the two sides are level on points with eight each, but Brighton edge ahead in the standings due to a slightly superior goal difference.

Match Preview

Across competitive and pre-season matches, new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler remains unbeaten, continuing a positive start following a flawless pre-season. However, last week’s draw against Ipswich Town felt more like two points lost than one gained for the Seagulls. Despite their best efforts, the Tractor Boys, led by a superb performance from Arijanet Muric, held firm for a goalless draw.

This was Brighton's second successive Premier League draw, following a controversial 1-1 result against Arsenal just before the international break. However, the Seagulls found their scoring touch again during a 3-2 EFL Cup victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers midweek, with Carlos Baleba, Simon Adingra, and Ferdi Kadioglu netting for the hosts.

Sitting sixth in the standings, Brighton are chasing history, as they look to go unbeaten in their first five top-flight games for the first time ever. Their last such streak was during the 2015-16 Championship campaign. Despite recent struggles at home, where they’ve lost four of their last seven league games, those defeats came against Premier League powerhouses such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest continue to show they’re capable of upsetting bigger clubs. Last weekend, they stunned Liverpool at Anfield, handing new Reds manager Arne Slot his first competitive loss with a 1-0 victory. A stunning strike from Callum Hudson-Odoi sealed the points as Liverpool, who had been unbeaten in their first three matches, were left frustrated by wasteful finishing and a stellar display from Matz Sels in the Forest goal.

Forest’s impressive start leaves them just one spot behind Brighton in the table, with their only loss coming in the EFL Cup, where they fell to Newcastle United on penalties. While Brighton have been juggling midweek fixtures, Forest will be well-rested for Sunday’s clash, having had a full week to prepare. They head to the South Coast aiming to secure an incredible fifth consecutive away win in the Premier League—a feat they’ve never achieved in the competition.

However, their recent history against Brighton hasn’t been favorable. Last season, they were defeated 3-2 at home and lost 1-0 at the Amex. In fact, Forest haven’t scored a goal at Brighton’s home ground since February 2015, when they won 3-2.

Team News

Brighton could welcome back Joao Pedro after missing the last two games with a minor injury, but Hurzeler confirmed the Brazilian’s availability will depend on how he fares in training before the match. Solly March, James Milner, Matt O'Riley, and Brajan Gruda are all recovering from injuries but won’t be ready for this weekend’s clash.

Having rotated his squad for the midweek cup match, Hurzeler is expected to revert to a more familiar lineup. Danny Welbeck, Georginio Rutter, and Kaoru Mitoma should return to lead the attack.

For Nottingham Forest, Danilo remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Ibrahim Sangare is facing several weeks out due to a hamstring injury. Willy Boly will also miss the trip with a calf issue, although he is close to a return. Hudson-Odoi, who scored the winning goal at Anfield, is expected to start up front alongside Anthony Elanga, who should reclaim his place in the lineup after being rested last weekend.