Brighton & Hove Albion – Nottingham Forest: Organized Forest Hold Their Nerve (0-0, 4-5 after penalties)

Nottingham Forest started this game with a plan of midfield domination and were able to achieve this for a while. As the game went on though, Brighton took more possession, and the Forest attacking threat became more transitional. By the end, Forest were holding on, but were able to eventually prevail on penalties.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Nottingham Forest's current season has already been one of the remarkable stories of European football over the past couple of years, as they continue to occupy a top four spot in the Premier League, disrupting the traditional order in a season where there were no such expectations of them. This game was an opportunity for them to continue adding to their story in the FA Cup too with a visit to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fabian Hürzeler's Brighton side took a point at the Etihad Stadium last time out and have European aspirations of their own as they try to break into the top six of the Premier League. They lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape here, with a back four of Jack Hinshelwood, Jan Paul van Hecke, Adam Webster, and Pervis Estupiñán. Carlos Baleba and Yasin Ayari partnered in central midfield, with Georginio Rutter played as the number ten. Yankuba Minteh, Danny Welbeck, and Kaoru Mitoma completed the frontline.

Nuno Esp . . .