West Ham vs Nottingham Forest preview: A big game for Nuno’s men in east London

West Ham may have endured one of their most disappointing Premier League campaigns in recent years, but their resounding 2-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend provided a rare highlight. The result boosted morale among Hammers fans and suggested that Graham Potter’s side may finally be heading in the right direction. While the win certainly comes too late to salvage any hopes of European qualification, it does provide some optimism ahead of the final home game of the season against Champions League contenders Nottingham Forest.

It will be a special moment as West Ham prepare to conclude their season on home soil, and history is certainly on their side. The Hammers have won five of their six Premier League home games against Nottingham Forest and will be hoping to maintain that dominance. Three more points would also see West Ham end a four-game winless run at the London Stadium (D3 L1), which has seen them struggle to find their rhythm in front of their fans.

Defensive weaknesses remain a problem

However, reversing the trend at home may be easier said than done. West Ham have only kept two clean sheets at home in the league this season, highlighting persistent defensive weaknesses. Their defense has lacked cohesion, especially against teams that play fast on the counterattack, an asset Nottingham Forest are more than capable of exploiting.

Yet, if there’s one thing that might be comforting, it’s West Ham’s tendency to end their home league campaigns on a high note. The Hammers are unbeaten in their final home game of the season in the last seven Premier League campaigns (five wins, two draws), including victories against Manchester United and Everton in recent years. This trend should give Potter and his team confidence that they can end the season on a high note in front of their fans.

The forest is recovering from a difficult week

While West Ham enter this match on the back of a rare away win, it has been a particularly difficult week for visiting Nottingham Forest. A frustrating 1-1 draw at home to already-relegated Leicester on the final day dealt a major blow to their ambitions of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League. This disappointment was compounded by disturbing scenes after the match: striker Taiwo Awoniyi was placed in an induced coma following a violent collision with the post during the match.

Fortunately, reports have since confirmed that the striker is now stable and showing positive signs of recovery. This news will undoubtedly come as a huge relief to his teammates and supporters, and with this psychological burden lifted, Forest can now fully focus on their quest for a top-five finish.

A good away record gives hope

The Tricky Trees enter this penultimate Premier League matchday one point off the top five and remain one of the most dangerous away teams in the league. Only reigning champions Liverpool have more Premier League away wins than Forest, including an impressive nine this season.

Nottingham Forest have also scored in each of their last eight away games, a testament to the consistency of their away attack. Given West Ham’s mixed home record and defensive woes, this could be the perfect setting for Forest to claim the crucial three points in their Champions League quest.

Players to Watch

On the home side, Jarrod Bowen continues to spearhead the attack. He is on the verge of making club history, aiming to become the first West Ham player to score in four consecutive Premier League home games since Jesse Lingard in April 2021.

Bowen’s energy and eye for goal could be the key to unlocking a Forest side that tends to stay back and counter.

On the other hand, Anthony Elanga has proven to be Forest’s creative spark this season. The Swedish winger is now just one assist away from equaling the club’s record for most Premier League assists in a season.

His direct running, pace and service from wide areas make him a constant threat, especially in transition.

Key Statistic

Only Southampton have scored in both halves of fewer Premier League games than West Ham this season, which shows how often the Hammers run out of steam after strong starts.

Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest

With Forest chasing Champions League qualification and boasting one of the best away records in the league, they could well win this match. West Ham are dangerous at home but don’t always manage to maintain the pressure for 90 minutes. Expect a close match, where Forest’s intensity and counterattacking ability will be decisive.