It is commonplace now for the traditional “big six” teams to have a stranglehold on the domestic competitions, especially the FA Cup, with Leicester City being the only side outside the usual suspects to have won the competition in the past decade.
However, this year’s edition has sprung a couple of surprises, as five of those six have been dumped out much earlier than many anticipated, leaving an inconsistent Manchester City side as the only usual contender left standing.
**Brighton**and **Nottingham Fores**t, who meet in the quarter-final of the competition, will be seeking to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Seagulls are seeking to win their first major trophy in their 124-year history. As for Forest, they will see it as a chance to show that they are firmly back amongst the country’s elite clubs, as they simultaneously battle for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The sides have met twice this campaign in the Premier League, with **Nuno Espírito Santo'**s men famously putting Brighton to the sword in February with a shocking 7-0 win at the City Ground.
So, this game is not just a chance for the South Coast side to reach a **Wembley**semi-final but also an opportunity to exact revenge on the team that humiliated them just two months ago.
Team News
Brighton
The good news for Fabian Hürzeler is that he appears to have Lewis Dunk and Matt O'Riley back for Forest’s visit. The pair had been out since mid-February.
It’s also thought that despite playing their international football in South America, Pervis Estupiñán, João Pedro, and **Diego Gomez**will play in the game, too. Hürzeler also said that despite a “small issue,” Kaoru Mitoma should be able to take part.
Tariq Lamptey missed two games prior to the international break due to suspension, but it seems his absence will be extended a little while longer, as the **Ghana**international has picked up an injury in training.
Joël Veltman and James Milner are still carrying injuries and will not play.
Nottingham Forest
Forest fans were dealt an absolute hammer blow during the international break as talisman Chris Wood sustained a hip injury while away with New Zealand, and it would appear that the towering forward will not be back in time for the trip to Brighton.
Wood has scored a sensational 18 Premier League goals this season and has been integral to his side’s rapid ascent up the league. The Kiwi will be a massive miss for the Tricky Trees.
Murillo, Ola Aina****, and Ramon Sosa are all going to be assessed. The three play their international football outside of Europe, so their travel is lengthier than that of others, and they’re being evaluated purely as a precaution.
Likely Lineups
Brighton
Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Ayari, Minteh; Pedro, Mitoma, Welbeck
Nottingham Forest
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-white; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi
Key Players
Brighton - Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba is crucial to Brighton in every game they play due to his ability to maintain possession of the ball and his composure in possession.
But another skill the Cameroonian international possesses makes him particularly important for this game against Nottingham Forest: his ability to break up opposition counterattacks almost as quickly as they start.
Forest have had great success with their ability to transition from defence to attack in the blink of an eye; there is an argument that nobody does it better in the Premier League.
It was never more clearly demonstrated than when they dismantled Brighton 7-0 earlier this season. Baleba was absent in that game, and it showed, as Forest cut through the Seagulls time and time again.
With the former **Lille**man in the team for this one, expect him to snuff out those counterattacks before they even get going, before quickly recycling possession to the forward line.
Nottingham Forest - Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi is something of a forgotten man.
There was a period not so long ago when the 27-year-old scored an astonishing nine goals in seven Premier League games, making him one of the league’s most in-form players.
However, since then, the Nigerian has desperately struggled to find form, starting only two league games this season.
His plight has not been helped by the form of Chris Wood, who seems to score every time he shoots. But now, with the New Zealander out for at least a few games, it’s a chance for Awoniyi to remind the Forest faithful what a great player he is.
Times are changing at Forest, with the club heading in an upward trajectory. If Awoniyi does not take the opportunity presented to him now, there is a very real chance that the club will look to upgrade their striking depth and potentially leave him behind.
So, this game could be very important for the forward, with his Forest future possibly on the line.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This FA Cup quarter-final will be played at the Amex Stadium, the home of Brighton.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at the unique time of 5:15 PM, on Saturday, March 29.
How can I watch it?
It will be on free-to-air television on BBC One, as well as the BBC iPlayer.