Nottingham Forest Face Exeter City in FA Cup Clash Amid VAR Controversy

Nottingham Forest travel to St James Park to take on Exeter City in the FA Cup fourth round on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. While Forest remains locked in a tense battle for European qualification in the Premier League, this cup fixture offers a rare break from the pressures of their domestic campaign. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will be expected to progress against League One opposition, but the match also presents an opportunity for squad rotation and experimentation.

Squad Rotation: A Chance for Fringe Players to Shine

With Forest pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League, Espírito Santo may take this FA Cup tie as a chance to rest some of his key players. This could open the door for some Forest Academy talents to make an appearance, while a few fringe squad members may also get valuable minutes.

One such player is Ibrahim Sangaré, who has recently returned from injury and is expected to start the match. The Ivory Coast international has had a stop-start season since his summer move from PSV Eindhoven, and the Exeter match could help him regain match sharpness before returning to Premier League action.

Similarly, Taiwo Awoniyi could be given a rare start in attack. The Nigerian forward has found himself playing a bit-part role behind Forest’s record-breaking goalscorer Chris Wood. However, rather than signing a new striker in the January transfer window, Forest opted to keep Awoniyi, showing faith in his ability. The match against Exeter provides a perfect opportunity for him to prove why that decision was the right one.

With a busy fixture list ahead, Espírito Santo may also use this game to freshen up his squad while maintaining the momentum that has carried them into the Champions League race.

Forest’s Welcome Break from VAR Drama

One notable aspect of this FA Cup tie is the absence of VAR. The FA confirmed in December that VAR will only be used from the fifth round onward, meaning there will be no video assistant referee interventions for the third and fourth rounds.

This will come as a welcome relief for Nottingham Forest fans, who have endured a frustrating relationship with the technology. One of the most infamous moments came in April 2024, when the club issued a strongly worded statement criticizing the officiating following a controversial defeat to Everton. That incident became widely ridiculed in the footballing world, but Forest’s concerns about VAR have persisted.

Recently, another VAR controversy resurfaced involving a disallowed goal by Nikola Milenković against Southampton in January. While Forest initially moved on from the decision, the Key Match Incident panel later ruled the VAR call incorrect, reopening old frustrations at the City Ground.

Given these ongoing grievances, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis will likely be pleased that VAR will not play a role in the Exeter match. However, that relief could be short-lived if the referee makes an error on the day, as Forest fans will still be hoping for fair officiating.

Exeter City: A Potential Banana Skin?

Despite playing in League One, Exeter City should not be underestimated. The lower-league side will relish the opportunity to test themselves against Premier League opposition and will likely approach the game with a fearless mentality. Cup upsets are a common feature of the FA Cup, and Forest must ensure they approach the game with the right focus to avoid an unexpected early exit.

Manager Gary Caldwell has built a competitive team, and Exeter will be hoping to take advantage of any complacency in the Forest lineup. The home crowd at St James Park will also play a crucial role, as smaller clubs often thrive on the energy of their supporters in cup competitions.

What’s at Stake for Nottingham Forest?

For Nottingham Forest, this match is about more than just progressing in the FA Cup. A strong performance will help maintain their momentum, while it also presents an opportunity to give valuable game time to players like Sangaré and Awoniyi. With key Premier League fixtures ahead, Espírito Santo will want his squad to be firing on all cylinders.

Additionally, a cup run could provide a much-needed boost for the club and its fanbase. Forest has not won a major domestic trophy since their League Cup triumph in 1990, and while the Premier League remains the priority, a strong FA Cup campaign would add excitement to their season.

Final Thoughts

As Nottingham Forest prepares to take on Exeter City, the focus will be on securing a professional victory while managing squad rotation effectively. The lack of VAR could be a refreshing change, allowing the game to flow without technological interference. However, with the FA Cup famous for its surprises, Forest must ensure they approach the match with the right mindset to avoid a potential upset.

A win would see Forest advance to the fifth round, where VAR will return, but for now, they can enjoy a break from the controversy as they look to continue their strong season.