It is going to be an interesting clash when Nottingham Forest welcomes West Ham United to the City Ground on match day 25 of the current Premier League season
The hosts have had it rough in recent times but it seems the mood is changing gradually, while the Hammers have been more competitive this season and could win anywhere in the division.
Forest started the season quite slowly as they lost two of their opening three games of the season, although they faced Arsenal and Manchester United throughout that period while beating Sheffield United at home for their first points of the season. A win at Stamford Bridge over Chelsea secured their second win before a 1-1 draw with Burnley at home then the poor form got elongated as they went five games without a win. However, a comprehensive 2-0 win raised the hopes of the fans but the barren form returned almost immediately. The Reds went seven games without a win and Steve Cooper was sacked as manager.
In came former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo. He has been able to help the team win two of his opening three games with the wins coming against Newcastle United and Manchester United. It was a relief to end 2023 in such a good mood and with 2024 now here, the team will be focused on beating the drop and garnering necessary points to keep them in the Premier League.
Under David Moyes’ management, West Ham United made noteworthy additions to their squad. The summer by securing exciting midfield talent Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez from Ajax Amsterdam. They also acquired English dead-ball specialist James Ward-Prowse from relegated Southampton and Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos from Bundesliga side VFB Stuttgart.
However, notable departures from the squad include former club captain Declan Rice, who moved to Arsenal for a club-record transfer fee. Additionally, Gianluca Scamacca joined Italian side Atalanta, Nikola Vlasic transferred to Torino, Arthur Masuaku moved to Besiktas, and Manuel Lanzini left for River Plate on a free transfer.
Just like Forest, their results have been all over the place. But by their standards, it has been a decent season. The Hammers kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Then they won their next three games against Chelsea, Brighton and Hove Albion, and Luton Town. But their run was halted by Manchester City, who defeated them 3-1 at the London Stadium. Moyes’ lads have also suffered losses to Everton, Aston Villa, and Brentford.
In the last ten meetings between both clubs, there has been no stalemate and this particular contest could produce another winner. Forest have won three times, while the Hammers have seven wins to their name.
The record might be playing a part on its own, but Forest will be happy that they have won the past two meetings at home and will be hoping to build on that as they hope to beat the drop. For all the good the Hammers have done this term, they have lost scandalously away from home in some games like Villa, Liverpool, and Fulham.
Match tickets
The City Ground in Nottingham epic match kicks off on Saturday 17th February 2024, at 3 PM UK time.
United’s 30,404-capacity stadium will be the venue for this clash between two teams with a different focus for the remainder of the season.
Getting tickets for the Nottingham Forest v West Ham tickets could take a lot of work given the standard of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Forest has a long list of players at the Africa Cup of Nations such as Ola Aina, Ibrahim Sangare, Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Moussa Niakhate, and Cheikhou Kouyate but some or all could be back depending on the run their team might have in the tournament. Meanwhile, Divock Origi (groin), Felipe (thigh), and Anthony Elanga (knock) should be available for this clash but striker Taiwo Awoniyi remains a long-term absentee.
Star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has been battling an abdominal problem, but he should be available for the visit of the Hammers.
Nottingham Forest XI: Turner; Montiel, Omobamidele, Worrall, Toffolo; Danilo, Mangala; Yates, Dominguez, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Coach David Moyes has a relatively healthy squad with the likes of Michail Antonio, a long-term absentee, expected in early February. Jarrod Bowen and Edson Alvarez have picked up slight knocks recently but should be available for this trip to Nottingham. Meanwhile, Luca Paqueta has been ruled out until March, so he is unavailable for this trip.
With that being said, Areola should start in goal, while Mavropanos continues to partner Zouma at the heart of the backline, and Ward-Prowse continues his midfield role.
West Ham United XI: Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Alvarez, Soucek; Bowen, Ings, Fornals.
Prediction
With the season just slightly past its midpoint, Forest – who are desperately in need of points – will try to outsmart the Hammers and take all three points in this match. Fortunately, they have a strong home record against Moyes’ side, winning the past two meetings with an aggregate score of 6-0.
However, West Ham United have fared better in the league this season and are looking to finish in a European spot this season. The Hammers have taken some valuable results on the road including the 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates.
Based on the above, it should be a cracker and the team with the desire to take all the points, will triumph.
Nottingham Forest 2-1 West Ham United