Exeter vs Nottingham

Exeter City, a League One team, will aim to pull off a major upset in the FA Cup fourth round as they prepare to host Premier League side Nottingham Forest at St James Park on Tuesday. The home side secured their place in this stage of the competition after a 3-1 victory over Oxford United on January 11. Meanwhile, their top-tier opponents booked their spot with a 2-0 win against Luton Town on the same day.

In their third-round clash, Exeter initially found themselves on the back foot when Oxford United took the lead just 14 minutes into the match. However, an inspired performance from attacking midfielder Demetri Mitchell turned the tide. He netted twice, with his first being an impressive acrobatic effort in the 22nd minute, helping the Grecians go into halftime with a 2-1 advantage. A third goal later sealed the win, ensuring their progression to the next round.

Currently positioned 18th in the League One standings with 32 points, Exeter find themselves six points clear of the final relegation spot, which is occupied by 21st-placed Burton Albion. Notably, they have played one game fewer than Burton, offering them a slight advantage in the battle to avoid the drop. However, recent form has been a cause for concern. Manager Gary Caldwell's team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Stevenage on February 1, conceding their 13th goal in just three matches.

Their struggles extend beyond a single match. No other League One club has accumulated fewer points than Exeter in the last six league games, with the team managing just one draw and suffering five losses during this period. Their overall run of form has been equally poor, as they have registered only one win in their last nine matches across all competitions, drawing twice and losing six.

St James Park has not been a fortress for the Grecians either. In their last nine home fixtures, they have suffered five defeats and drawn two matches, further underlining their vulnerability when playing in front of their supporters. As they prepare to face a formidable Premier League opponent, Exeter will need to defy the odds and produce a performance far superior to their recent outings if they are to advance to the next round.

On the other hand, Nottingham Forest enter this fixture in far more confident spirits. Their FA Cup third-round encounter with Luton Town ended in a 2-0 win, but the clean sheet was not without its challenges. Luton generated three significant goal-scoring opportunities—matching Forest’s tally for the match—yet failed to capitalize on them.

Forest head into this clash on the back of an emphatic 7-0 demolition of Brighton & Hove Albion on February 1, a result that showcased their attacking prowess. Chris Wood stole the show with a hat-trick, while Anthony Elanga provided a masterclass in playmaking, assisting three goals. The team’s dominant display further cemented their position as a force to be reckoned with in the top flight this season.

Under the guidance of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, Nottingham Forest have undergone a dramatic transformation in fortunes. After struggling in their past two Premier League seasons—finishing 16th in the 2022-23 campaign and 17th in 2023-24—they now find themselves in an entirely different position. Currently third in the table with 47 points, they hold a three-point lead over fourth-placed Chelsea and are six points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City.

A major factor behind their resurgence has been their improved defensive solidity. While they previously found themselves battling against relegation, they have tightened up at the back and currently boast the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded only 27 goals this season. This newfound resilience has played a significant role in their impressive rise up the standings.

Forest’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. They have won nine of their last 11 matches in all competitions, displaying consistency and dominance across various tournaments. However, their track record in the FA Cup suggests they are not particularly accustomed to deep runs in the competition. Over the past 10 seasons, they have managed to advance beyond the fourth round on just two occasions, a statistic they will be eager to improve upon.

Despite their strong overall form, Forest did endure a setback in their most recent away fixture, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on January 25. This result was an anomaly in an otherwise impressive run of performances away from home. Prior to that loss, Espírito Santo’s men had won four consecutive away matches, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

As the FA Cup fourth-round clash approaches, both teams will be highly motivated for different reasons. Exeter City will look to use the magic of the cup to defy expectations and claim a famous victory, while Nottingham Forest will seek to continue their remarkable form and advance further in the competition. While the visitors enter the tie as overwhelming favorites, the unpredictability of the FA Cup means anything can happen on the day. With St James Park set to host this intriguing encounter, all eyes will be on whether Exeter can produce an upset or if Forest will march on as expected.