Bitesize Prediction: Nottingham Forest vs West Ham – 17/02/24

Competition: Premier League

Market: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 19/20 @ 1xBet

Desperate to extend their buffer over the drop zone, Nottingham Forest will welcome West Ham to the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have signed off 2023 in the midst of a crucial boost, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are still at the heart of a Premier League relegation scrap. Eventually falling to an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Newcastle last week, the former Wolves boss has a real job on his hands. Despite edging past Championship outfit Bristol City earlier in the month as they punched an FA Cup quarter-final ticket, the Reds have claimed just a single point from their previous four showdowns against Premier League opposition. Opening Saturday’s showdown holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Santo will have a major headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. With their struggles at the back highlighted by an action-packed 3-2 defeat against Brentford last month, Nottingham Forest have not recorded a single clean sheet against top-flight opposition since returning from November’s international break. It should also be highlighted, Saturday’s hosts have seen five of their previous six contests at the City Ground finish with over 2.5 goals.

As for the visitors, putting in a woeful performance last weekend as they slumped to a 6-0 drumming against London rivals Arsenal, West Ham find themselves at the heart of a real struggle. Crashing back down to earth since opening the New Year, it is no secret that David Moyes finds mounting pressure on his shoulders at the London Stadium. Slipping out of the top-six chase, the one-time Manchester United boss finds his downbeat squad in the midst of a seven-match winless run. With their extended issues highlighted by a 3-0 defeat away at Manchester United on February 4th, the Hammers have shipped 12 strikes in just their last four domestic showdowns. However, although West Ham might have collected just a single top-flight victory on their travels since the start of December, they will be excited by their most recent meeting against Saturday’s hosts. Claiming an action-packed 3-2 victory when they welcomed Forest to east London back on November 12th, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair here.

Bet: Over 2.5 goals at Nottingham Forest vs West Ham 19/20 for Saturday’s Premier League contest @ 1xBet