Exeter City will hope to follow in the footsteps of Plymouth Argyle by knocking off a European Cup winner of their own in the final game of the FA Cup fourth round. Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo will want to keep the positive momentum building on what has been a phenomenal season for the Tricky Trees so far. The winner gets a home tie in the fifth round against Ipswich Town.
It's not been an easy season on the whole for Gary Caldwell's men. In the cup, they have done a brilliant job of being on the brink of being the only third-tier side to make it to the last 16, but in League One they have struggled. They are currently six points above the drop zone, having failed to register a league win so far in 2025. They come into this game on the back of hammerings from Stevenage and Leyton Orient, but sometimes the FA Cup can be just the reprieve a down-on-its-luck team needs.
Forest, on the other hand, are enjoying their best campaign in decades. The unlikeliest of returns to the pinnacle of European football looks on the cards as Nuno's men sit six points clear in the Champions League qualification places. They were tipped by many for relegation, but instead have blown away much of the competition and are only bettered by Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League table. They hammered Brighton 7-0 last time out. Exeter will be very wary of what they can do.
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest Team News
The hosts have no major selection concerns.
For Forest, two star players in Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo are doubts for this clash, but both could make an appearance. Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed that they have both resumed training and are being monitored.
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest Possible Lineups
The Grecians will of course opt for their usual starting X1 and put everything on this game. Despite not being completely comfortable in League One, they are unlikely to be relegated. Attempting to pick up a famous scalp here will be the priority.
Exeter City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Whitworth; McMillan, Diabate, Hartridge, Harper; Woods, Francis; Niskanen, Watts, Yogane; Magennis
Forest, on the other hand, can do something truly special in the Premier League this season, and so will likely rest plenty of key players for this one.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Hennessey; Morato, Milenkovic, Boly; Aina, Sangare, Yates, Anderson, Toffolo; Awoniyi, Jota Silva
Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
There is a possibility of an upset here, mostly based on the mentality of the two teams. Exeter have nothing to lose and everything to gain and will be as motivated as they ever could be. Forest will not want to hamper their Champions League ambitions. The second-string side which Nuno will likely implement here could see Exeter push them all the way.
Prediction: Exeter City 2 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Everybody loves a David vs Goliath story in the FA Cup on national television. It has all this spectacle needed to be a very exciting game, and one well worth a watch for the neutral fan.
Fans in the UK can watch Exeter City vs Nottingham Forest on TV or via live streaming on ITV.
