Prediction: West Ham vs Nottingham Forest

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to claim a Premier League boost on Sunday afternoon, West Ham will welcome Aston Villa to the London Stadium.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might find themselves sat in pole position to punch a Europa League knockout stage ticket this season, it is fair to say that the Hammers are in the midst of a domestic rut. Although David Moyes’ men might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, the one-time Manchester United boss does find some mounting pressure on his shoulders. Last seen in Premier League action eventually getting hit with a 3-2 loss at the hands of Brentford, West Ham have recorded just a single win from their previous seven top-flight showdowns – a run that stems all the way back to September 1st. Slipping out the top-half of the Premier League standings and facing a real uphill battle in their bid to punch a genuine top-six charge, Moyes’ side will be more than aware that they face a must-win showdown at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

In what could be another massive blow to West Ham on Sunday afternoon, the Hammers are still sweating over the fitness of skipper Kurt Zouma. However, aside from the former Chelsea defender, Moyes’ men have announced a clean bill of health here.

Forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Olympiacos earlier in the week, Michail Antonio could be handed a full return at the London Stadium. Rewarded with another spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, Jarrod Bowen will join Antonio in the final third.

Nottingham Forest

As for the visitors, although Nottingham Forest might have shown a string of issues when opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Steve Cooper’s side certainly claimed a domestic boost last weekend. Putting in a stellar performance at the City Ground as they secured a 2-0 victory against Champions League dreamers Aston Villa, the former Swansea boss will be calling on a repeat performance here. However, almost finding themselves sat in Premier League limbo, Forest will be worried by their continued issues on the road. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a routine 3-0 drumming at the hands of Liverpool, Cooper’s side have remarkably secured just a single top-flight victory on their travels since way back on January 4th. Likewise, hit with a 4-0 defeat when they travelled to the London Stadium last season, Forest should still be bracing themselves for a stern examination here.

Team News

Dealing with a recent thigh injury and missing both of Forest’s last two Premier League appearances, Cooper’s side are still sweating over the fitness of 31-year-old Chris Wood here. Likewise, Sunday’s guests will travel to the London Stadium without the services of summer recruit Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Impressing on his first Premier League start against Aston Villa last weekend, Greek international shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos should keep his spot between the sticks here. Despite failing to find the net in his last seven domestic appearances, Taiwo Awoniyi will spearhead Cooper’s charge on Sunday.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on February 25th, West Ham picked up a 4-0 romp at the London Stadium.
• However, the Hammers have won just one of their previous seven Premier League appearances.
• Despite landing a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa last weekend, Nottingham Forest have recorded just a single away win since the start of January.
• West Ham have recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet since opening up the new campaign.
• Six of the Hammers’ first eight home fixtures this season have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While West Ham might have extended on their Europa League romp earlier in the week, the Hammers are certainly seeking a much-needed domestic boost. With just a single victory from their previous seven Premier League appearances, neutrals could be treated to another enjoyable affair from the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It should be highlighted, with Moyes’ men seeing six of their first eight home fixtures across all competitions finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster