Preview & Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United

Saturday, August 30, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM ET (15:00 UK) Venue: City Ground, Nottingham Broadcast Information: Sky Sports (UK), Peacock (US)

Nottingham Forest host West Ham United at the City Ground in a Matchweek 3 clash that promises intensity and tactical intrigue in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Nuno Espírito Santo’s Forest, buoyed by a 1-0 win over Everton and a 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace, are showcasing defensive solidity and clinical finishing through Chris Wood. West Ham, under Julen Lopetegui, started with a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa but rebounded with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, led by Jarrod Bowen’s flair. This matchup pits Forest’s compact, counter-attacking style against West Ham’s possession-based approach, with key battles in midfield and on the wings set to shape the outcome. The City Ground’s electric atmosphere will push Forest to maintain their strong start, while West Ham aim to build consistency. Expect a tightly contested game with moments of quality deciding the points.

Insights

• Forest’s back-to-back 1-0 wins over Everton and Crystal Palace highlighted their defensive resilience and Wood’s finishing. They won 10 of 19 home games in 2024-25.
• West Ham’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth showed their attacking threat, with Bowen scoring, but defensive lapses remain a concern. They won three of their last seven away games last season.
• Forest’s 4-2-3-1 setup emphasizes solidity, with Morgan Gibbs-White creating and Murillo anchoring defense. West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 relies on Lucas Paquetá’s vision and Bowen’s pace.
• Gibbs-White vs. West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse will be key, as Gibbs-White’s creativity faces Ward-Prowse’s midfield control.
• Forest won their last home game against West Ham 2-0 in 2024-25, but West Ham have won three of the last six Premier League meetings.
• A win could propel Forest into the top half, while West Ham aim to stabilize their European push.
• Forest have no major injuries, while West Ham’s Edson Álvarez is doubtful with a hamstring issue.
• The City Ground’s passionate fans will create a hostile environment, with West Ham’s supporters aiming to match their energy.

Match Forecasts

• Chris Wood could exploit West Ham’s shaky backline with his aerial presence, potentially scoring from crosses or set pieces.
• Jarrod Bowen’s pace and finishing may test Forest’s full-backs, especially if they push forward.
• Forest’s set-piece strength, with six goals from corners in 2024-25, could target West Ham’s vulnerability in defending dead balls.
• Substitutes like Forest’s Anthony Elanga or West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus could shift momentum late with their speed.
• West Ham’s possession may dominate midfield, but Forest’s quick transitions could expose their high defensive line.
• Expect a cautious first half with both teams probing, followed by an open second half as they chase a result.
• If level late, Forest’s home crowd could inspire a winner, but West Ham’s attacking depth makes them dangerous on the counter.

Match Facts

• Forest have won two of eight Premier League matches against West Ham since 1993, with two draws and four losses. Their last meeting at the City Ground ended 2-0 to Forest.
• The City Ground, capacity 30,445, saw Forest lose only five home games in 2024-25, making it a tough venue.
• Referee David Coote, officiating this match, averaged 3.9 yellow cards per game in 2024-25 and officiated Forest’s 1-0 win over Southampton last season.
• Sky Sports will broadcast live in the UK, with coverage starting at 14:30 UK. Peacock streams the match in the US at 10:00 AM ET.
• Nottingham’s weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies, 19°C (66°F), with a 10% chance of rain, ideal for fluid football.
• A win would mark Forest’s 50th Premier League home victory. West Ham are chasing their 150th top-flight win since 2006.
• Jarrod Bowen is one goal shy of 50 Premier League goals for West Ham, a milestone he could reach in this match.