I am backing the Nottingham Forest ML in Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest.
With the most exciting game on Sunday, in my opinion, Brighton will be hosting Nottingham Forest in the early morning slot here in the States.
Coming off a historic win at Anfield, Nottingham Forest look to maintain their positive run of form, remaining unbeaten after four matches with both of their wins on the road.
Brighton are looking to bring back that glorious eye-candy of football they played week-after-week under Roberto De Zerbi, this time with a new face at the helm: Fabian Hurzeler. The Gulls are still a sleeping giant, also remaining unbeaten this season, but the eye-test proves that there seems to be a drop-off in terms of aesthetics to their overall play.
Let’s dive into my preview of Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest.
Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest Odds, Picks, Prediction
| Brighton Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -138 | 2.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Nottingham Forest Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 +110 | 2.5 -110o / -110u | -125 |
- Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest moneyline odds: Brighton -138, Nottingham Forest +375, Draw +280
- Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest over/under: 2.5 goals (over -110, under -110)
- Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest pick: Nottingham Forest ML
I am targeting Nottingham Forest in Nottingham Forest vs. Brighton.
Brighton Preview
Brighton are a very solid team that always seems to give every team they play a lot of trouble. Oddly enough, their most recent match against Ipswich Town, who have only played in the Premier League once this century, ended in a 0-0 draw. This might be an indicator to the spectators that Brighton may be on their way back down to Earth now that the De Zerbi Era of Brighton football is behind them.
However, American manager Fabian Hurzeler has done a solid job of keeping Brighton competitive, picking up a win against Manchester United and an away draw at Arsenal. One thing that’s concerning me in terms of team selection for this upcoming match is the status of Brighton’s top goal-contributor, Joao Pedro. Pedro was absent in that 0-0 barn burner against Ipswich, picking up a knock while away on international duty with Brazil the week prior. Pedro is Brighton’s top-scorer, and the obvious choice for the No. 10 role in the side, but with the status of his injury remaining uncertain, it’s likely we see Georgina Rutter in his place.
However, Brighton should be able to lean on their exceptional wing-play with Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh. Most notably, Mitoma is averaging just over 1.0 key passes per 90 and a dribble success rate of 37.5%. This makes him one of the most dangerous dribblers in the league, highlighting his ability to cause problems for defenses with his big chance creation.
Nottingham Forest Preview
Nottingham Forest are off to a great start after a full offseason with new manager Nuno Esposito Santo. They have also made some good signings to help their side in Elliot Anderson from Newcastle, Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina and James Ward-Prowse from West Ham. All three of these signings played a part in defeating Liverpool at Anfield in the previous match week. Coming into this week against Brighton, I think there will definitely be a defensive emphasis placed on limiting the Brighton wingers to try and cut inside to create chances like we saw last weekend at Liverpool. Nottingham have done a remarkable job defensively this season, seemingly shutting everything their opponents throw at them while dictating the pace of the game.
Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest Prediction
Brighton have always been a personal favorite team of mine to bet on. But I think my money will be on Nuno’s Tricky Trees this weekend. Nottingham’s performance this season has been too strong to deny, and I don’t trust Brighton to adapt quick enough to Nuno’s tactics he has planned for them. In terms of market respect, Nottingham opened the season with about the same respect as they were getting under Steve Cooper.
Nowadays, I do think the market is still a bit short on them, but that will likely change if this team keeps getting results. I think the price on the Double Chance line is worth taking, but my money will be on the moneyline. I think this is a fantastic spot for Nottingham Forest, and we may not see a price like this on them again this season against a team that’s not all that much better than them. As Brad Pitt once said to his Oakland A’s in Moneyball, “you may not look like a good team, but you are one.”
