Prediction: West Ham win
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
The Premier League returns once again this weekend as we continue through the early stages of the campaign. The opening weekend provided us with plenty of noteworthy moments but with 37 matchday still left to be played, anything can happen between now and May – and we’ve only just gotten started. Today, we’re going to preview what should be an intriguing clash between Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
Nottingham Forest
It’s easy enough to write off a team as relegation favourites before the season even gets underway, and in reality, we should be focusing on the fact that a club as historic as Nottingham Forest are finally back in the big time after two decades away. They have work to do in the summer transfer window and on the training pitch, but their grit and determination alone will help them significantly in the months ahead.
Team News
Yates is currently being seen as a fitness concern with Richards ruled out, although Mangala and Awoniyi are tipped to make their full debuts.
West Ham
West Ham United can’t afford to let their foot off of the gas because after years of underachieving, in the eyes of the fans, they finally seem to have stability under the guidance of David Moyes. They’ve qualified for Europe in the last few seasons and they’re starting to learn how to balance the two, which should work well in conjunction with the fantastic squad they’ve been able to assemble.
Team News
Aguerd is the only player confirmed to be absent through injury with Ogbonna, Dawson and Fabianski all being fitness doubts.
Factors to Consider
- In their last meeting back in 2014, Forest beat West Ham 5-0 in the FA Cup.
- Forest lost 2-0 to Newcastle in their Premier League opener.
- West Ham lost 2-0 to Man City in their Premier League opener.
- Forest finished 4th in the Championship last season.
- West Ham finished 7th in the Premier League last season.
Conclusion
The crowd alone is going to carry Forest through the early stages of this game but as it goes on, it just feels like the gulf in quality is really going to be the difference maker. The hosts need to make it physical and we just don’t think they’ve got it in them to do that, whereas on the flip side, the Hammers are an established European side now – which is why we’re backing them to win 2-1.
Prediction: West Ham win
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
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