Verdict: Morgan Gibbs-White over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
In what is a real relegation six-pointer on Tuesday night, West Ham will welcome Nottingham Forest to the London Stadium.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, while Nuno Espírito Santo might have only arrived at the London Stadium a couple of months ago, the former Nottingham Forest boss already finds his position hanging by a thread. Rightfully coming under a huge amount of scrutiny over the weekend as they were blown away thanks to a 3-0 drumming away at a Wolves squad who sit rock-bottom of the table, the pressure on Santo’s shoulders has now reached a boiling point. Sat firmly in the drop zone, the Hammers have broken a string of unwanted records this season and are rightfully regarded as a standout relegation contender in 2026. Without a win from any of their previous nine consecutive Premier League appearances, West Ham have also gained a reputation for their glaring defensive issues.
West Ham Team News
Missing away at Wolves on Saturday afternoon with a reported back issue, West Ham are once again sweating over the fitness of Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta. Likewise, both featuring at this month’s AFCON, the Hammers will be without the defensive duo of El Hadji Malick Diouf and ex-Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Completing a permanent switch from Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente last week, Pablo Felipe should make his Premier League debut here. Academy graduate Ezra Mayers could be set to make a first senior start on Tuesday night.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, while Nottingham Forest might have enjoyed an immediate boost following Sean Dyche’s arrival at the City Ground back in October, the Reds have come crashing back down to earth over the past few weeks. Completely outplayed away at Aston Villa over the weekend as they fell to a routine 3-1 loss, Tuesday’s guests are once again looking over their shoulder at a the drop zone. Signing off 2025 with a downbeat 2-0 defeat at home against Everton, Forest have now lost each of their previous four consecutive Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2. Enduring their worst spell since Dyche’s arrival, the Reds were also hit with a shock 3-0 drumming when they met West Ham for their reverse top-flight showdown at the City Ground back on August 31st.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Dealing with a long-term knee injury and with it suggested that he might miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, Nottingham Forest will once again be without New Zealand international Chris Wood. Likewise, both away representing the Ivory Coast at this month’s AFCON, Dyche’s side will be unable to call upon the duo of Wily Holy and Ibrahim Sangare.
Bagging what was a consolation strike away at Aston Villa over the weekend, skipper Morgan Gibss-White will play a leading role in the final third. Enduring a horror show in the Midlands on Saturday, John Victor should sacrifice his spot between the sticks.
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- When West Ham and Nottingham Forest met for their reverse Premier League showdown on August 31st, the Hammers collected a shock 3-0 victory at the City Ground.
- Along with collecting just a single point from their previous five Premier League appearances, West Ham have failed to win any of their last nine consecutive outings.
- Nottingham Forest have lost their previous four Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2.
- Shipping 41 Premier League goals this season, West Ham hold the worst defensive tally among England’s elite.
- Five of the last six meetings between West Ham and Nottingham Forest have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Nottingham Forest might have lost each of their previous four consecutive Premier League appearances, Dyche’s side should be relishing a trip to east London here. Watching West Ham get completely blow away at Molienux on Saturday afternoon as they slumped to an infamous 3-0 drumming at the hands of Wolves, the pressure on Santo’s shoulders has now reached a boiling point. Shipping 41 top-flight goals so far this season and holding the worst defensive tally among England’s elite, West Ham’s leaky defence will certainly be asked more questions in midweek.
Verdict: Morgan Gibbs-White over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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