Key events
The BBC ask whether Fabian Hürzeler has mentioned that 7-0 shellacking to his players. “No … it’s always important to look to the reactions … big losses … negative experiences … we went through it … what makes us stronger … that’s the focus … reminder to do the basic things right … outrun the opponents … Forest have played like this against big teams like Chelsea and Liverpool … very defensive … transition moments … set pieces … we have to be alive in all phases … try to control the game … it will be a balance between everything.”
Nuno Espírito Santo, who has surprised a few by dropping Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, speaks to the BBC. “The cup is a good chance for players who work so hard and don’t have minutes in the Premier League … players deserve moments … game by game … today is a tough one.”
So having already mentioned Gordon Smith, and at the risk of seriously testing the patience of Brighton fans … here’s a reminder of what happened when these teams last met, at the start of February.
Seagulls supporters can take some succour in not having lost at home to Forest since 2015, a sequence of five matches. The last time this particular fixture was played, in the Premier League last September, it all kicked off in a most entertaining fashion, with all the usual thinking-of-the-kids caveats.
To whet the appetite / summon up old demons, here’s how Brighton came so close in 1983. One of the great finals, and such a shame the replay was a competitive non-event. (No need for us to link to that and pour more salt into the wound, bringing up Gordon Smith again is more than enough.)
Meanwhile this is how Forest won the cup in 1959. Not such a classic, this one, and the Pathé summariser wants a clip around the lug for repeated references to “Notts”.
Both of these teams go into this early-evening quarter-final with the wind in their sail. Brighton are unbeaten in seven, a run that has included two wins over Chelsea, victory in the FA Cup at Newcastle, and a come-from-behind draw at Manchester City. Forest meanwhile are four without defeat, a sequence that has seen them frustrate title hopefuls Arsenal and beat champions City. Good luck calling this one.
Brighton make two changes to the starting XI named for the 2-2 draw at Manchester City. Danny Welbeck and Yasin Ayari replace João Pedro and Diego Gómez, who drop to the bench.
Forest make three changes after their 4-2 win at Ipswich. Ryan Yates, Taiwo Awoniyi and Danilo replace Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who drop to the bench, and the injured Chris Wood.
The teams
Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen, Hinshelwood, van Hecke, Webster, Estupinan, Baleba, Ayari, Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma, Welbeck.
Subs: McGill, Dunk, Gruda, Joao Pedro, Adingra, Cashin, Gomez, O’Riley, Tasker.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Dominguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Yates, Danilo, Awoniyi.
Subs: Carlos Miguel, Morato, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Toffolo, Alex, Jota Silva, Elanga, Boly.
Referee: Peter Bankes (Merseyside).
Preamble
“And Smith must score!” Brighton & Hove Albion dream of putting an end to 42 years of Peter-Jones-soundtracked yearning. So near and yet so far away from a first FA Cup. Nottingham Forest have won the thing before, of course, but you’d have to be of stately vintage to have witnessed the last time they did so, in 1959, Elton John’s cousin and all that, and there are even a couple of generations who’ll be too young to have seen Brian Clough’s close call of 1991. Both teams desperate, then. Both teams believing. Both teams certainly good enough to lift the old pot come May. But only one will remain standing by the end of the night, which could stretch as far as extra time and penalties if needs be. Kick-off is at 5.15pm. It’s on!
