West Ham’s fortress hosts Nottingham Forest in a gripping Premier League duel where ambition and survival hang by a thread. The Hammers aim to finish strong at home, while Forest fight to stay in the top flight. With both sides boasting attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities, an open and entertaining game is expected.
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Form Guide
West Ham United
West Ham United have struggled with consistency towards the business end of the season, but flashes of brilliance from stars like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus have kept them in contention. Their defense has looked shaky despite the presence of Kilman and Todibo, often leaving Areola exposed. James Ward-Prowse continues to be a set-piece threat, while Tomas Soucek’s aerial dominance in midfield adds a physical edge. The Hammers will be banking on their attacking trio to exploit a fragile Forest backline.
Nottingham Forest
With the relegation sword hanging overhead, Forest bring relentless fight and raw desperation into the fray. Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga offer creativity and pace, with Chris Wood providing a physical outlet up top. Injuries have affected the squad’s stability, but their midfield remains combative with Sangaré and Dominguez.
Watch Live:- West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Football Match
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Key Battles
Jarrod Bowen vs Chris Wood
Jarrod Bowen has been West Ham’s standout performer, consistently delivering goals and driving forward with intent from the right. With 11 goals this season, he’ll look to get behind Nottingham Forest’s defense and create chances from the flanks. On the other end, Chris Wood has been Forest’s primary threat, netting 20 times and proving his value in the box with sharp positioning and clinical finishing. This battle of top scorers could determine the match’s outcome, especially if either finds space in transition.
Tomas Soucek vs Anthony Elanga
Tomas Soucek offers West Ham height, stamina, and late runs into the box, making him a key asset in both defensive and offensive set-pieces. His battles with Anthony Elanga, who has tallied 16 goal contributions this season, could be pivotal. Elanga’s pace and dribbling can stretch defenses, but Soucek’s presence in midfield might limit Forest’s transitions. Expect a fascinating midfield contest where discipline and timing will be crucial.
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Tactical Outlook
For West Ham, it would be fair to expect Ward-Prowse and Soucek as a double pivot protecting the back four. Kudus and Bowen would be running the channels, pace and skill out wide, and Rodriguez as a target man linking play, inside and out. Ideally, Coufal and Cresswell would join in the attacking phases of West Ham’s play, but they would need to be alert to any counterattacks. West Ham will be looking to create attacking opportunities any way they can, including set-pieces and second chances.
Nottingham Forest will likely opt for a counter-attacking 4-3-3 setup, with Elanga and Gibbs-White pushing forward quickly on the flanks. Sangaré and Dominguez will try to win midfield duels and distribute forward rapidly. Defensively, Forest will sit deep and stay compact, looking to frustrate West Ham and pounce on turnovers. Chris Wood’s hold-up play will be crucial in bringing others into the game and sustaining attacks.
Head-to-Head Encounters
The current head-to-head outcome is five wins in favour of West Ham United and four wins to Nottingham Forest, with no draws. The odds for West Ham United to win are set at 2.80, a draw is at 3.25, and Nottingham Forest at 2.55.
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Injury News and Suspensions
West Ham United
Summerville faces a forced hiatus, his hamstring injury postponing action until August’s doorstep next year. Michail Antonio remains out due to a broken leg that will not be ready until early June. The Hammers’ do have a notable absence through Antonio who has not been in the side, but they do do a relatively good job to fill the void of Antonio’s experience in the forward line. The Hammers’ do have only slightly limited attacking depth going into the match.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have several injury concerns, with Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring) and Murillo (thigh) both ruled out until late May 2025. Taiwo Awoniyi is a doubt with a muscle injury and may not feature. These absences weaken their depth, especially in attack, making them reliant on Elanga and Wood. The fitness of their core attackers will be critical on match day.
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Possible Playing Squads
West Ham United:
Areola (GK), Coufal, Kilman, Todibo, Cresswell, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Kudus, Bowen, Rodriguez, Wan-Bissaka
Nottingham Forest:
Sels (GK), Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Aina, Sangaré, Dominguez, Anderson, Elanga, Gibbs-White, Wood
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest | Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 06:30 PM (BDT)/ 06.00 PM (INR) | Premier League | London Stadium |
Match Prediction
With regards to form and injuries, the two teams are very similar but the attacking options for West Ham will likely give them the edge at home. Expect a heated contest with goals at both ends.
Score Prediction
West Ham United 2-1 Nottingham Forest. Bowen and Kudus could score for the Hammers, and Wood can score for Forest.
Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.
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