Nottingham Forest vs West Ham Preview

• Forest to win
• Ndoye to score or assist

This clash at the City Ground comes with both sides carrying more pressure than they would have expected so early in the season. Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo and West Ham counterpart Graham Potter are among the bookmakers’ favourites to be the first managers sacked this season, making this a pivotal early-season fixture.

Forest began the campaign on a relatively positive note with a home win and an away draw, but instead of focusing on that unbeaten start, supporters were rocked by Nuno’s comments last week casting doubt over his own future.

With the Portuguese coach openly acknowledging that a resolution is needed between himself and the club’s ownership, the issue has overshadowed what should have been a period of cautious optimism. Still, the players must shut out the noise and focus on football, with Forest looking to record back-to-back home wins at the start of a league campaign for the first time in eight years, and the first time in the top flight since 1984/85.

By contrast, West Ham arrive in a state of crisis. Their start has been their worst to a league season since 1954/55, suffering heavy defeats against Sunderland and Chelsea before being eliminated from the EFL Cup by Wolves in midweek.

Captain Jarrod Bowen’s visible frustration with travelling fans after that loss summed up the mood around the club. Potter, who was once tipped as a progressive managerial appointment, now finds himself in an increasingly desperate fight to keep his job. With just 20 points earned since his appointment – fewer than any other ever-present Premier League side in that period – the pressure has reached boiling point.

Head-to-Head History

Recent history between these two clubs favours Nottingham Forest. They have won the last three Premier League meetings, which is more than they managed across the 11 encounters prior (W2, D3, L6). The City Ground has also been particularly unforgiving for West Ham, who have failed to score on any of their last four Premier League visits. Their most recent top-flight goal on this ground dates back to September 1996, highlighting just how difficult this fixture has been historically.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Nottingham Forest have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last ten Premier League games.
• Since their 7-0 demolition of Brighton in February, Forest have scored just seven goals across eight home league fixtures.
• West Ham have registered exactly four shots on target in all three of their matches this season, showing consistency but also predictability in attack.
• Across West Ham’s three games so far this campaign, only five yellow cards have been shown – pointing towards games with little disciplinary edge.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Nottingham Forest – Dan Ndoye

The Swiss international has hit the ground running, contributing to goals in each of his first two Premier League appearances (one goal, one assist).

If he is involved again, he will become the first Forest player ever to register a goal involvement in each of his first three Premier League games. His energy and creativity have been a rare highlight in an otherwise uncertain start.

West Ham – Lucas Paquetá

The Brazilian midfielder has been one of the few bright sparks for the Hammers, scoring in back-to-back games despite the team’s poor collective form.

However, he was also booked in both Premier League H2Hs against Forest last season, underlining his tendency to get caught up in emotional moments that sometimes detract from his influence.

Injury News

Forest will once again be without Nicolás Domínguez, who remains sidelined with a knee issue. For West Ham, Luis Guilherme and Crysencio Summerville are unavailable, depriving them of wide options that could have added dynamism to their attack.

Betting Analysis

Given West Ham’s dreadful start and long struggles at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest look well placed to continue their unbeaten run this season. The Tricky Trees haven’t been watertight defensively, but West Ham’s limp attacking returns suggest that this could finally be the moment Forest record a clean sheet.

Prediction

This match feels like it could go a long way to deciding the short-term futures of both managers. Forest are the more stable side on the pitch, despite off-field turmoil, and they have recent H2H dominance on their side. West Ham’s travel sickness at this venue looks set to continue.

Predicted Score: Nottingham Forest 2-0 West Ham

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Nottingham Forest v West Ham United | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview