Premier League Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Brighton (30 November 2025)

Nottingham Forest hosts Brighton at the City Ground on 30 November 2025 in a Premier League clash that could shape the battle for mid-table positions. The match kicks off at 15:05, and with both teams showing unpredictable form this season, the game promises intensity, tactical contrast, and plenty of action.

Nottingham Forest: Physical, Direct, and Fighting for Stability

Under Sean Dyche, Nottingham Forest has shifted toward a tougher, more defensive and direct style of football. Dyche’s well-known tactical identity—long balls, compact defensive structure, and physical duels—has made Forest more competitive, but the results still fluctuate.

Forest’s current league record shows inconsistency:

• Played: 12

• Wins: 3

• Draws: 3

• Losses: 6

• Goals For: 13

• Goals Against: 20

Forest’s biggest strength remains playing at home. The City Ground atmosphere is intense, and the team almost always performs with greater energy and belief in front of their supporters. Against Brighton, Forest is expected to sit deeper, stay compact, and look for opportunities through counter-attacks and set pieces.

Brighton: Modern, Energetic, and Tactically Advanced

Brighton continues to impress under Fabian Hürzeler. The young German coach brings a modern playing style built around structured possession, high pressing, and fast ball circulation. Brighton has been one of the most compelling mid-table teams this season.

Brighton’s league performance so far:

• Played: 12

• Wins: 5

• Draws: 4

• Losses: 3

• Goals For: 19

• Goals Against: 16

Brighton’s biggest asset is their ability to control the game through midfield dominance. Their high tempo and fluid passing combinations often push opponents back and force errors. Against Forest, Brighton is expected to dominate possession and dictate the rhythm of the match.

Head-to-Head: A Fixture Full of Surprises

Recent meetings between Nottingham Forest and Brighton have produced dramatic and unforgettable scorelines. Their rivalry has been unpredictable, with games ranging from tight tactical battles to huge goal margins.

Recent Match Results

• 2025 – Nottingham Forest 7–0 Brighton

• 2024 – Brighton 2–2 Nottingham Forest

• 2024 – Brighton 1–0 Nottingham Forest

• 2023 – Nottingham Forest 2–3 Brighton

Older Results

• 2023 – Nottingham Forest 3–1 Brighton

• 2022 – Brighton 0–0 Nottingham Forest

• 2017 – Nottingham Forest 3–0 Brighton (Championship)

• 2016 – Brighton 3–0 Nottingham Forest

• 2016 – Nottingham Forest 1–2 Brighton

The standout is undoubtedly the 7–0 victory for Nottingham Forest in 2025, one of the biggest Premier League wins in recent years. It showed how explosive Forest can be on their best day, but also how unpredictable this fixture can become.

Match Information

What to Expect

This match brings two completely opposite styles onto the same pitch.

Forest’s Expected Approach

• Deep defensive block

• Long balls behind Brighton’s high line

• Physical battles in midfield

• Heavy reliance on set pieces

Brighton’s Expected Approach

• High possession and ball circulation

• Structured press to win the ball back quickly

• Quick passing triangles in wide areas

• Overloading midfield with movement and energy

Forest will look to disrupt Brighton’s rhythm, while Brighton will try to drag Forest’s defensive shape out of position.

Key Tactical Points

• Brighton will likely control possession

• Forest will try to make the game physical

• Brighton must avoid dangerous turnovers

• Forest needs to defend with discipline, especially in wide zones

• First goal could dramatically change the match pace

Prediction

Both teams have strong strengths but different weaknesses. Brighton looks superior in terms of footballing structure, tempo, and consistency. Forest, however, remains dangerous at home and can create big surprises—as the 7–0 result proved.

Overall, Brighton’s form and tactical clarity give them a slight edge.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Brighton

A competitive match, with Brighton’s organisation and ball dominance making the difference.