Football Prediction | Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United | Premier League 2025/26 | August 31 – Can Forest Keep Climbing, or Will Hammers Hit Hard?

Nottingham Forest and West Ham lock horns at the City Ground in a fiery Premier League fixture. Forest will be hoping to use their home advantage against a West Ham side that is full of experienced players. The Hammers will, in turn, be looking to continue their great form and push into the top half of the Premier League table. With in-form attacking players in both teams, this will be a match that hopefully produces plenty of entertainment.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Form Guide

Nottingham Forest

This campaign, Forest has shown real grit. They’ve combined a disciplined defense with moments of attacking brilliance. Chris Wood remains a reliable figure up front, providing a clear focal point in attack. Gibbs-White has been pulling the strings in midfield, linking play with creativity. Defensively, Murillo and Milenkovic have formed a strong partnership, but consistency remains the key challenge.

West Ham United

The Hammers combine veteran know-how with offensive flair in their promising start to the campaign. The duo of Bowen and Paquetá has continued their chemistry this season, combining to both generate and finish scoring opportunities. Niclas Füllkrug has added a different element to West Ham’s attacking threat, a presence and physicality that they didn’t require before. In terms of defensive organisation, Kilman, Aguerd, and Todibo offer a stable base from which to build, although, to be fair, West Ham have only played top-half teams.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Key Battles

Wood vs Paquetá

Aerial prowess and clinical strikes make Wood a key danger man against Forest. The battle he faces against West Ham’s defenders could decide the flow of Forest’s attack. How he handles that clash might determine how dangerous they look going forward. Lucas Paquetá, on the other hand, offers flair, vision, and goals from midfield, giving the Hammers a different kind of top scorer. Whichever player asserts themselves more could tilt the balance of this match.

Ndoye vs Diouf

The winger’s sharp bursts down the wing have caught attention. Ndoye’s energy often sparks chances for his teammates. His pace and crossing could stretch West Ham’s defense and provide key service for Wood. For West Ham, Diouf has been equally valuable, contributing with both goals and assists from advanced areas. Their battle may prove vital in deciding which side carries the greater attacking edge.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Tactical Outlook

The team is set to combine organized defending with rapid transitional attacks. Gibbs-White will play a crucial role in linking midfield to attack, while Ndoye and Hudson-Odoi provide width. Wood remains the main target in attack, relying on service from the flanks. Their success will depend on maintaining discipline and taking chances when they arise.

West Ham will be looking to control the ball and play at their own pace through Ward-Prowse and Soucek in the middle of the park. The attack will revolve around Paquetá’s inventive play and Bowen’s lightning-quick runs. Füllkrug, who plays upfront, gives them options for build-up play and aerial duels. Defensively, they can rely on their solid backline to deal with counterattacks from Forest. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

Matches between these two sides have traditionally been competitive, with outcomes often finely balanced. Recent clashes have seen West Ham edge the results, thanks to their greater attacking depth. Forest, however, has shown they can frustrate the Hammers, especially at home. This match is set up to continue the tradition of close and hard-fought battles.

Injury News and Suspensions

Nottingham Forest

Forest has relatively few injury concerns heading into this fixture. Nicolás Dominguez remains sidelined with a meniscus injury and is expected back in early October 2025. His absence leaves a gap in midfield depth. Otherwise, Forest has most of their key players available.

West Ham United

The Hammers face a few injury setbacks that could affect their squad depth. Crysencio Summerville won’t feature again until the middle of September after picking up a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, Luis Guilherme faces a longer spell out and is not expected back before mid-October due to a fractured collarbone. George Earthy is also doubtful with a knock. The Hammers continue to pose a forward threat, injuries notwithstanding.

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United Possible Playing Squad

Nottingham Forest

Sels (GK), Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Aina, Sangaré, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Hudson-Odoi, Wood

West Ham United

Hermansen (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Diouf, Paquetá, Bowen, Füllkrug

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest will likely make this a difficult contest with the advantage of playing at home, but the attacking balance and experience of West Ham, along with the players in great form, should give them the edge.

Score Prediction

West Ham narrowly defeated Nottingham Forest 2–1, with Paquetá and Bowen’s strikes overturning Wood’s opener. Their sharp finishing might prove decisive in tight contests.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.