The most significant game of the weekend might wind up being West Ham United vs. Nottingham Forest on Sunday, May 18, 2025 as the Premier League’s 2024–25 season is coming to a close. Scheduled for the legendary London Stadium, this first game is crucial for both clubs. Nottingham Forest, newly promoted after a long absence, is shooting for European qualifying, unlikely as that might be, while West Ham is just as likely hoping to avoid a relegation fight. West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest goes all the way back to its ITT roots with all the drama, energy, and matchups across the pitch because so much is on the line.
Match Preview: West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest
As fantastic a footballing institution as it is, West Ham United are at risk of falling into that Premier League quicksand area of the table just above the drop area. Despite their stunning upset of Manchester United in late September, which shot confidence way up, consistency has been hard to come by under Potter. The Hammers, naturally, have their own objectives, see their own stay in the Premier League secured and eliminate any sense of existential dread that threatens to hover over the end of the season.
Nottingham Forest are having one of their best seasons in decades. Now sitting safe and sound in the league’s top half and looking ahead to a potential European qualification spot, they’ve combined that cathartic attacking style with a newfound defensive organization. A win in this exact fixture would guarantee automatic qualification into the UEFA Europa Conference League at best or, depending on other matches, potentially the UEFA Europa League at worst.
Both sides come into this game with contrasting goals. For West Ham it’s all about survival, for Nottingham Forest they want to be playing in Europe.
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Team News and Predicted Lineups
Prior to the match, West Ham United is concerned about a few injuries. Both winger Crysencio Summerville and Michail Antonio are still out due to chronic leg injuries. West Ham is anticipated to field a potent starting lineup in their typical 4-2-3-1 configuration in spite of these difficulties.
Predicted West Ham Lineup:
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Ogbonna, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Souček; Bowen, Paquetá, Kudus; Ings.
Nottingham Forest are missing striker Taiwo Awoniyi due to surgery. Defender Murillo and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi face late fitness tests. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo may stick to his successful 3-4-2-1 shape.
Predicted Nottingham Forest Lineup:
Vlachodimos; Worrall, Boly, Niakhaté; Williams, Yates, Danilo, Toffolo; Gibbs-White, Elanga; Wood.
Key Players to Watch
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Bowen has been West Ham’s standout attacker, with 11 Premier League goals and multiple assists. His pace and direct play from the right wing are crucial, especially against Forest’s back three.
Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United)
Getting on the ball, dictating play in all areas and always looking to create opportunities – playing just off the frontman in the number 10 role, Paquetá is the creative heartbeat of the Hammers. His inventive passing and general connection between midfield and attack will be key in finding the spaces needed to unlock what could be a potential defensive firewall from Forest.
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
All this, and he has 20 league goals to his name, making Wood one of the Premier League’s most lethal finishers this season. Frenkie de Jong’s aerial ability and box presence means he’s always a danger in the area.
Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest FC celebrates after scoring the goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest at Vitality Stadium.
The Swedish speedster has been a regular creator of width and attacking crosses from the flanks. Tied with Dusseldorf’s Rouwen Hennings for the second-most assists this season (10, first time anyone but Robert Lewandowski has done that in ages), he’s the team’s creative fulcrum and he’ll be looking to expose every one of West Ham’s often-vulnerable full-backs.
Tactical Outlook and Match Predictions
West Ham are going to want to sit deep, keep their shape and structure, and be hard to break down. They’ll be banking on rapid counters and dead-ball situations, with Bowen and Kudus in particular tasked with punishing any Forest overextending themselves.
Nottingham Forest’s first choice is to control the midfield but they like to push their winge-backs up high. The interplay between Gibbs-White and Wood, coupled with Elanga’s speed, will form a ruthless attacking partnership among the trio that should worry West Ham’s defense.
Considering both recent form and important motivation factors, this match is likely to be fiercely competitive. Given Forest’s attacking form, it would be a surprise if they didn’t get on the scoreboard, and the Hammers’ desire to not repeat the dog days of a late-season tank should be the fire under them cooking a classic performance.
West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
In recent meetings, West Ham have dominated at home, but Nottingham Forest claimed a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Hammers have won five of their last seven home league games against Forest.
However, Forest have been impressive on the road this season and have shown a newfound resilience in tight matches. West Ham’s recent win at Old Trafford may spark confidence, but Forest’s overall consistency gives them a slight edge.
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How to Watch West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Live
Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025
Kick-Off Time: 14:15 BST / 9:15 AM ET
Stadium: London Stadium, London
Broadcast Info:
- UK: Sky Sports Premier League, NOW TV, Sky Go
- USA: NBC Sports, USA Network, Peacock
- Worldwide: Check local listings or stream via official Premier League platforms
Fans can also follow live updates via their club’s official social media channels or the Premier League website.
Final Thoughts
With Premier League survival and European football on the line, the West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest match on 18 May is set to be a thrilling affair. Expect passion, drama, and potentially a season-defining result for both sides.
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