Brighton had a poor season last time out finishing 20th in the Championship after achieving a play-off position the previous two years before. However, Chris Hughton did steady the ship when he was appointed throughout the season and prevented relegation which many Albion fans may have feared whilst Sami Hyypia was in charge. Brighton have been busy so far this transfer window adding nine players to their squad with the likes of Gaetan Bong, Niki Maenpaa, Vahid Hambo and most notably striker Bobby Zamora. Zamora is actually a fan favorite on both sides considering he prevented Derby promotion to the Premier League not so long ago. However, Forest fans will be hoping their side can keep him quiet tonight as Hughton seems to have made a very good addition to his attacking threat. Forest similarly to Brighton had a disappointing campaign last time out finishing 14th in the league table. Dougie Freedman will hope that his hard work on and off the pitch this summer will bring greater success to the club in the upcoming season. Freedman had the team working very hard in pre-season doing up to three sessions a day. He has also brought in some very good signings in the form of Matt Mills, Jamie Ward and Daniel Pinillos. This has given the squad much more depth in positions we maybe lacked in last season. It has also been reported recently that Forest are very close to signing Lille OSC striker Michael Frey. This would arguably be the best signing of the summer so far for Forest if Dougie can pull it off due to the huge potential the player has after being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Juventus just last summer.
Bobby Zamora looks to be a very good addition by Chris Hughton to Albion's squad this summer.
Forest continue to suffer with long-term injuries as they have done for many years now. Andy Reid, Chris Cohen, Matty Fryatt and Britt Assombalonga are still all suffering with long-term injuries. However, it has been said a September return is achievable for Reid, Cohen and Fryatt which would be a huge boost to all at the club. Ben Osborn was the only player to be injured in pre-season receiving a dislocated shoulder but Freedman has stated he will be fit for Friday night. Other than that, Freedman has a fully fit Forest squad to choose from.
My score prediction for this game is Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Nottingham Forest. I think it will be a very tight game as it always is in the Championship. However, this is even more the case on the opening day of the season where no-one wants to get off to a losing start. This is what makes me think it will be a very cagey encounter resulting in it being a score draw.
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