2024-25 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Exeter vs Forest

Exeter City look to cause a FA Cup giant-killing against Nottingham Forest in the concluding fourth-round tie. 

Victory will see Exeter reach the fifth round for the first time since their run to the Quarter-Finals in 1980-81 season, whilst Forest seek to move beyond this stage for the third time in four seasons.

 

Team News

Exeter have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 4-1 loss at Stevenage in League One.

Forest will have Murillo available despite the defender having suffered a dead leg in their 7-0 Premier League victory over Brighton.

Callum Hudson-Odoi remains sidelined with a groin injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Exeter host Forest at St James’ Park on Tuesday 11 February at 8pm GMT, live on ITV1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Exeter’s first FA Cup meeting against Forest, although the Grecians are yet to beat Forest in all competitions (D2, L2).
• Forest have kept clean sheets in their two previous visits to Exeter in all competitions (W1, D1), having drawn 0-0 in February 1950 then won 5-0 in April 1951.
• Exeter have suffered 5-0 losses in two of their last three meetings against Forest in all competitions.
• Three of Exeter’s 10 goals in this season’s competition were scored by Josh Magennis.
• Forest have won just one of their last five FA Cup away ties to lower league opposition (W1, D1, L3).

 

Prediction 

Winless in their last eight league matches and just six points above the relegation zone, Exeter’s priority certainly need to be on third-tier survival but they first must produce a defensive masterclass after shifting 13 goals in their last three matches – although their attack is still dangerous and can’t be underestimated.

Forest meanwhile have had over a week to prepare for this tie after a clinical demolition of Brighton but with one eye on a tricky league trip to Fulham on Saturday, I do expect serious squad rotation here but the fringe players should still be good enough to get the job done.

This fourth round though has already seen plenty of twists and turns which will inspire Exeter but I just can’t see them getting the win, such is Forest’s quality and momentum.

Prediction: Exeter City 1-3 Nottingham Forest