Nottingham Forest will host Brighton & Hove Albion at the City Ground in a Premier League clash with contrasting ambitions. Forest is battling to escape the relegation zone, while Brighton aims for a European spot.
Forest's Rollercoaster Season
Forest has experienced significant changes this season. After finishing seventh last season, they now find themselves near the bottom. Managerial changes saw Nuno Espirito Santo depart, followed by a brief stint from Ange Postecoglou. Sean Dyche has since taken over, bringing relative stability.
Dyche inherited a team in 18th place. Despite an initial loss to Bournemouth, Forest has since won four of seven games under his leadership, a 57% win rate. They currently sit comfortably in 16th place and are undefeated in their last five matches across all competitions, including a Europa League win against Malmo.
Last season, Forest dominated Brighton with a 7-0 victory at the City Ground. While a repeat is unlikely, the home fans are eager for another three points.
Brighton's European Push
Brighton is aiming for the top of the table, currently sitting in sixth position, just two points outside the top four. Recent defeats to Manchester United and Arsenal in the EFL Cup have slightly dampened their progress.
Mitoma Injury Concerns
Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma has been sidelined with a foot and ankle injury sustained during their 3-1 win against Chelsea. Initially described as a “small injury” by manager Fabian Hurzeler, Mitoma has missed several games. His return date remains uncertain, with the club monitoring his progress daily. Mitoma's absence is a significant blow to Brighton, as he is considered a vital player.
Hurzeler provided a semi-positive update, stating the club is taking it day-by-day. Mitoma missed the draw against Wolves and remained in England during the international break. He has since returned to training, but his availability for the Forest match is still doubtful.
Key Match Details
- Teams: Nottingham Forest vs Brighton & Hove Albion
- Location: City Ground
- Date: November 30, 2025
- Ambitions: Forest fighting relegation, Brighton aiming for Europe