West Ham vs Nottingham Forest: Form, Stakes, and Where the Betting Value Lies

Nottingham Forest travel to the London Stadium aiming to complete a league double over West Ham, having comfortably dispatched the Hammers 3-0 back on November 2nd. That reverse fixture saw Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Ola Aina all find the net, while Edson Álvarez’s red card in first-half stoppage time left the hosts with a mountain to climb.

Since then, West Ham’s season has unravelled. Currently 15th with 40 points from 36 games, the Hammers began under Julen Lopetegui, but the Spaniard was shown the door in early January after winning just 7 of 22 games. His replacement, Graham Potter, hasn’t offered much of a bounce – just 4 wins in 16 matches, though the most recent was a surprise 2-0 victory at Old Trafford.

Forest, meanwhile, have seen their top-four challenge fade badly. Nuno Espírito Santo's side has slumped from third to seventh, but their 2-2 draw with Leicester at least guaranteed them a place in Europe next season. Still, they’re only a point behind fifth-placed Chelsea with a chance to leapfrog them on the final day – and they face the Blues next.

Form Guide & Tactical Angles

West Ham:
The Hammers snapped an eight-game winless run with a statement 2-0 win at Manchester United, courtesy of goals from Tomáš Souček and Jarrod Bowen. Bowen has now scored in three of West Ham’s last four games, including 1-1 draws with Spurs and Southampton. However, they’ve also suffered narrow losses to Brighton (3-2) and Liverpool (2-1).

Forest:
Forest’s only win in their last seven came at Tottenham (2-1), with Chris Wood again on target. Since then, they've stumbled with losses to Man City (2-0) and Brentford (2-0), plus draws with Crystal Palace (1-1) and Leicester (2-2). Defensively, they’ve looked leaky, but they remain dangerous on the break.

Forest's away form is a major edge – they've taken 30 points from 18 away games, the third-best record in the league. West Ham’s home form? Dismal. Just 20 points from 18 games at the London Stadium – fourth-worst in the division.

Key Betting Tips:

• Nottingham Forest to Win or Draw (Double Chance) – Forest are 22 points clear in the table, have a far superior away record, and are facing a side with one of the league’s weakest home records.

• Both Teams to Score – Yes – BTTS has landed in 4 of West Ham’s last 5, and 3 of Forest’s last 5. Neither defence looks watertight.

• Jarrod Bowen Anytime Scorer – The England winger has scored in 3 of the last 4 and remains West Ham’s most consistent threat.

• Over 2.5 Goals – Both sides are prone to high-scoring, open contests, especially when there’s little pressure and motivation is mixed.

Prediction:

With Forest still eyeing a top-five finish and West Ham just trying to salvage pride, the visitors look more driven and structured. Combine that with their strong away form, and they’re worth backing on the result markets – particularly if paired with goals.

Scoreline tip: Nottingham Forest 2-1 West Ham