Brighton boss Hurzeler looks to end Forest hoodoo

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler aims to build momentum against Nottingham Forest, a team that has consistently caused him problems during his 18 months in the Premier League.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Brighton & Hove Albion's home game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday provides an opportunity for manager Fabian Hurzeler to build much-needed momentum. However, Forest have been a thorn in Hurzeler's side since he took over in 2024, with key injuries, a red card, and an embarrassing 7-0 defeat all contributing to the German's struggles against the club. Hurzeler will be looking to avenge those past losses and secure a crucial three points to help his side climb up the table.

Why it matters

Hurzeler's record against Forest has been a major source of frustration during his tenure at Brighton. The 7-0 thrashing last season was the heaviest league defeat of his reign, and the penalty shootout loss in the FA Cup further compounded the pain. Overcoming this 'hoodoo' could be a significant boost for Hurzeler and his team as they look to build momentum and secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.

The details

In their first meeting in 2024, Hurzeler and Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo were both sent off, leading to a six-game absence for Brighton's talisman Joao Pedro and a damaging run of results. Last season, Hurzeler's decision to play Georginio Rutter in midfield backfired badly, leading to the 7-0 thrashing. The FA Cup defeat on penalties was another bitter blow, with Rutter's season-ending injury adding to the pain.

  • In September 2024, Brighton and Forest drew 2-2, with Morgan Gibbs-White sent off for the visitors.
  • In February 2025, Brighton suffered a 7-0 defeat away to Forest, their heaviest league loss in 67 years.
  • In March 2025, Brighton lost to Forest on penalties in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a 0-0 draw.

The players

Fabian Hurzeler

The 33-year-old manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, who has struggled against Nottingham Forest during his 18 months in charge.

Joao Pedro

Brighton's Brazilian talisman, who missed several games due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2024 draw with Forest.

Georginio Rutter

Brighton's French midfielder, whose move to a deeper role in the 7-0 defeat to Forest last season backfired badly.

Nuno Espirito Santo

The former Forest manager who was sent off alongside Hurzeler in the 2024 draw between the two teams.

Matz Sels

The Forest goalkeeper who saved two penalties in the shootout against Brighton in the 2025 FA Cup quarter-final.

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What they’re saying

“We know how the table looks, we know where we want to go. We have to focus on the performances. If we keep on playing the way we have in recent weeks, we are 100 per cent convinced we will get the results we deserve.”

— Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton manager

What’s next

Hurzeler will be hoping that his side can build on their recent 2-0 win at Brentford and secure another three points against Forest to continue their climb up the table. A win would be a significant step in overcoming the 'hoodoo' that Forest have held over him during his time at Brighton.

The takeaway

Fabian Hurzeler's struggles against Nottingham Forest have been a persistent thorn in his side during his tenure as Brighton manager. Overcoming this 'hoodoo' and securing a crucial win against a team that has consistently caused him problems could be a significant boost for Hurzeler and his side as they look to build momentum and secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.