Brentford and Forest each have a way to answer the other's first spell of pressure. City and Brighton also bring attacking routes that can continue after an early goal. In both matches, the next box entry after a lead matters more than a simple count of recent wins.
Brentford can push Schade and Ouattara around Thiago, but Forest's Muñoz and Williams can release the ball wide for Delap and Gibbs-White. That route produced repeated away box entries and gives Forest a way back after conceding. Ndoye is doubtful after playing at Ipswich, while Williams and Gibbs-White both played there; Brentford's returning league players face a short recovery. That's why I'm siding with Forest to take something from this match.
City can bring Doku and Foden toward Haaland, while Brighton's Gross delivery and direct exits can attack the space behind City's press. Brighton made repeated box entries in their cup meeting even without Mitoma and Azeez; City's normal finishers and defenders are set to return after rotation. Both teams can create another attack after an equalizer. That's why I'm siding with more goals in City against Brighton.
