Nottingham Forest are aiming to extend their impressive run as they welcome West Ham to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon, and we have all the team news and confirmed lineups, as well as a prediction for the clash.
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham Preview
Since the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo in December 2023, Forest have shown marked improvement, currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table with 16 points from nine matches (W4 D4 L1).
They are five points clear of their position this time last year, demonstrating a significant turnaround as they aim for their third consecutive Premier League victory.
Last week, Chris Wood shone with a brace in a 3-1 victory over Leicester, reaffirming his status as one of the league’s top scorers alongside Erling Haaland.
Forest have particularly thrived at home, having won their last two encounters against the Hammers, including a 2-0 victory in February, thanks to goals from Taiwo Awoniyi and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
With a robust defensive record—conceding just seven goals, the second-fewest in the league—Nuno’s men are looking to secure three consecutive league wins for the first time since May 1999.
In contrast, West Ham have had a disappointing start to the season, winning three, drawing two, and losing four of their nine matches.
But things are starting to look up after Julen Lopetegui’s side secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Manchester United last weekend, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a dramatic late penalty.
However, the Hammers are still looking to improve their away form, having won just three of their last 13 matches on the road in 2024.
Currently positioned 13th, West Ham are seven points clear of the relegation zone but only three points behind the top eight.
Their last victory at the City Ground dates back to August 2011, and they will need to find a way to break their recent away struggles if they hope to challenge a confident Forest side.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Forest are without injured duo Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring), but Morgan Gibbs-White returns from an ankle knock, displacing Elliot Anderson.
West Ham Team News
West Ham are without Niclas Füllkrug, who is still recovering from a long-term Achilles injury that has sidelined him since early September, while Mohammed Kudus is serving the second of a three-game suspension.
In goal, Lukasz Fabianski retains his spot after starting against Manchester United, having been preferred to first-choice Alphonse Areola.
Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville cements his place in the starting XI after scoring his first goal for the Hammers last weekend, joining Jarrod Bowen in the attack.
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham Confirmed Lineups
Nottingham Forest Confirmed Lineup:
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Dominguez; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
West Ham Confirmed Lineup:
Fabianski; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Mavropanos, Kilman, Emerson; Alvarez, Rodriguez, Paqueta; Summerville, Bowen
Nottingham Forest vs West Ham Prediction
Forest’s tactical approach under Nuno has proven effective, allowing them to concede among the fewest chances in the Premier League despite giving opponents frequent access to their defensive third. This strategy has led to Forest averaging 6.2 corners conceded per game, providing a potential angle for West Ham in this matchup.
With Crysencio Summerville likely to feature in the starting XI, West Ham could see an uptick in their corner-winning opportunities. Summerville’s ability to drive to the by-line makes him a valuable asset, having previously won 65 corners last season in the Championship. This could be an avenue Lopetegui’s side look to exploit.
As for the match outcome, both teams are in need of points, and given their current forms, a closely contested game is expected. With Nottingham Forest solid defensively but West Ham showing glimpses of attacking flair, a draw looks backable with the UK’s best betting sites.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 West Ham
