Nottingham Forest vs West Ham Preview
- Draw or West Ham win
- Over 1.5 goals
Nottingham Forest are flying high this season, with an impressive start putting them in the Premier League’s top-seven after nine games.
They now host West Ham United at the City Ground, aiming to continue their strong form and secure a third consecutive home victory against the Hammers in the league for the first time since 1978.
Nottingham Forest: Confidence Building Amid Strong Defensive Record
Forest have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign under Nuno Espírito Santo, losing just once in their first nine games (W4, D4).
Their 3-1 victory over Leicester City last weekend demonstrated their attacking prowess and defensive resilience, marking them as a team capable of sustaining a top-half push.
With just seven goals conceded this season, Forest boast one of the league’s best defences, helped by their consistency at home where they have yet to concede multiple goals in a single match.
The City Ground has been a fortress for the Tricky Trees since their return to the Premier League, with Forest winning their last two home meetings against West Ham.
While they’ve claimed just five points from four home games (W1, D2, L1), Espírito Santo’s side will be confident in securing a positive result to improve their home record further.
West Ham United: Searching for Consistency Under Lopetegui
West Ham’s start to the season has been less consistent, but their dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United last weekend may be a turning point.
Manager Julen Lopetegui, still early in his tenure, relieved some pressure with that win, marking just their third league victory of the season (W3, D2, L4).
Despite that boost, defensive issues remain a concern for the Hammers. They have conceded 16 goals this season, ranking among the league’s leakiest defences, and their two clean sheets across all of 2024 are the joint-fewest among ever-present Premier League clubs.
Lopetegui will hope to see defensive improvement to help secure back-to-back league wins for the first time since March.
Key Players to Watch
Ryan Yates (Nottingham Forest)
The Forest midfielder opened his account for the season with a goal against Leicester, extending Forest’s unbeaten streak to 16 league games when he found the net (W11, D5).
His energy in midfield and eye for goal will be key as Forest look to capitalise on West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham United)
Summerville scored his first goal of the season in West Ham’s win over Manchester United, and he has a knack for scoring late, with four of his last five club goals coming after the 60th minute.
His ability to impact games in the closing stages could be decisive, especially if this game goes down to the wire.
Tactical Insights: Can Forest’s Defence Outlast West Ham’s Attack?
Forest’s disciplined defence has been central to their success, and they’ll aim to control the game from the back while capitalising on West Ham’s defensive struggles.
Ryan Yates’ presence in midfield and the team’s strong home form will be vital as they look to break through a Hammers defence that has struggled for consistency.
For West Ham, Crysencio Summerville’s form offers a potential breakthrough, particularly in the second half. Lopetegui’s side will need to be sharp defensively to contain Forest’s attack and stay organised in midfield, as they aim to build momentum and earn consecutive wins.
Final Thoughts
This fixture presents contrasting narratives: Nottingham Forest are looking to build on their impressive start and cement their place in the top-half conversation, while West Ham seeks defensive solidity and consistent form under Lopetegui.
With both teams possessing key players capable of changing the game, this encounter at the City Ground promises to be an intriguing battle.
Will Nottingham Forest continue their strong form at home and make it three straight league wins over West Ham, or can the Hammers secure a vital win to keep moving up the table?
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Nottm Forest v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League