Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Brighton come into this game already looking like they are over the disappointment of their play-off exit against Sheffield Wednesday in May. There was a real danger that they could suffer something of a hangover following that but they’d have been pleased to start with a solid 0-0 draw away to fellow promotion hopefuls Derby. They kept another clean sheet in midweek as they cruised to a 4-0 home win against Colchester in the League Cup with Jamie Murphy bagging a brace. It took them an hour to break the deadlock but they will have taken confidence from some of their attacking play in the latter stages of the game and will come into this targeting another win.

They are up against a Forest side that have won their opening two games of the season though. Their clash with Burton Albion at the City Ground on Saturday was a real cracker. New coach Philippe Montanier would have been concerned by aspects of the performance but would have taken plenty of positives from the fact his side came from behind to win and scored four goals.

The biggest plus was two goals for Britt Assombalonga, who missed almost all of last season through injury but looks to be back to full fitness and is likely to give the home defence plenty to worry about here.

Brighton though are the superior side and there was an enormous 34 point gap between the teams last term. Brighton have kept the bulk of their side together so should be at a similar level and although Forest could fare a little better with a free-scoring striker in their ranks, you have to fancy the Seagulls to win this with home advantage.

Christ Hughton’s side haven’t lost at home since New Year’s Day and backing Brighton to Win at 4/5 looks worth a punt here.