West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Nottingham Forest will likely defeat West Ham United 2-1 at the London Stadium on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, as the visitors exploit the Hammers’ defensive weaknesses that have resulted in 23 home goals conceded this season without a single clean sheet, while West Ham’s nine-game winless streak and manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s mounting pressure contrast with Forest’s ability to capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks despite their own four-match losing run.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League |
| Date | Tuesday, January 7, 2026 |
| Venue | London Stadium |
| West Ham Position | 18th (14 points) |
| Nottingham Forest Position | 17th (18 points) |
| West Ham Form | L-L-L-D-L |
| Nottingham Forest Form | L-L-L-L-W |
Key Facts
- West Ham United sits in 18th place with just 14 points from 20 matches this season.
- Nottingham Forest occupies 17th position with 18 points after 20 games played.
- West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo faces his former club in a crucial relegation battle.
- The Hammers have gone nine Premier League games without a victory since November.
- Nottingham Forest has lost four consecutive matches during a difficult festive period.
- West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat to Wolves in their last outing on January 3, 2026.
- Forest fell 3-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park in their most recent fixture.
- Nuno Espirito Santo holds a 26-game streak without a clean sheet, the longest current run in the Premier League.
- West Ham has conceded 23 goals at home this season without recording a single clean sheet.
- Forest defeated West Ham 3-0 at the City Ground earlier this season in August 2025.
On This Page
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Preview and Prediction
West Ham United prepares to host Nottingham Forest at the London Stadium in a critical Premier League clash that carries significant relegation implications.
Both teams arrive at this fixture struggling for form and desperately seeking points to climb away from the danger zone.
The Hammers endured a humiliating 3-0 loss at Molineux against Wolves, a result that manager Nuno Espirito Santo described as “embarrassing.”
The Portuguese coach now faces mounting pressure, with reports suggesting former manager Slaven Bilic has expressed interest in returning to the club.
West Ham’s defensive frailties have become a major concern, as they remain the only team in the league yet to keep a clean sheet at home this season.
Nottingham Forest arrives in London after their own disappointing run.
Sean Dyche’s side has lost four straight matches, including defeats to Fulham, Manchester City, Everton, and most recently Aston Villa.
The 3-1 loss at Villa Park saw goalkeeper John Victor make a costly error that contributed to John McGinn’s second goal.
Despite their struggles, Forest sits four points above West Ham in the table and cannot drop into the bottom three this gameweek.
Predicted West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Lineups and Formations
West Ham United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Areola
Defenders: Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Julio, Scarles
Midfielders: Soucek, Potts
Attacking Midfielders: Bowen, Fernandes, Summerville
Forward: Wilson
West Ham will likely make changes after their poor performance against Wolves.
Tomas Soucek should return to the starting lineup after being left out at Molineux.
The midfield pairing of Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts was withdrawn at halftime in that match, prompting tactical adjustments.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Sels
Defenders: Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams
Midfielders: Anderson, Dominguez
Attacking Midfielders: Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi
Forward: Jesus
Matz Sels will reclaim his position between the posts after John Victor’s injury and error-prone display against Aston Villa.
The Belgian goalkeeper provides experience and reliability that Forest needs during this challenging period.
Team News and Injury Report
West Ham United Injuries
- Lucas Paqueta (back) – doubtful
- Jean-Clair Todibo (groin) – doubtful
- El Hadji Malick Diouf (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Africa Cup of Nations)
Nottingham Forest Injuries
- John Victor (calf) – out
- Chris Wood (knee) – out
- Ryan Yates (thigh) – out
- Willy Boly (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Ibrahim Sangare (Africa Cup of Nations)
- Callum Hudson-Odoi (knock) – doubtful
- Dan Ndoye (calf) – doubtful
- Arnaud Kalimuendo (transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt)
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Lucas Paqueta’s absence would significantly impact West Ham’s creativity in midfield.
The Brazilian playmaker serves as the team’s primary creative outlet, and his potential unavailability leaves the Hammers short on quality in the final third.
For Forest, Chris Wood’s knee injury removes their most reliable goal scorer.
The New Zealand international has been crucial to their attacking play, and his absence forces Sean Dyche to rely on alternative options up front.
Where to Watch Live?
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, TalkSport Radio UK
United States: USA Network
India: Star Sports Select HD1, Star Sports Select 1, JioHotstar
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
Australia: Stan Sport
International viewers can check their local listings for broadcast information across various regions including Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The recent history between these clubs shows a competitive rivalry.
In their last 10 meetings, Forest holds a slight advantage with four wins compared to West Ham’s three victories, with three draws.
Most recently, Forest dominated West Ham 3-0 at the City Ground in August 2025 when Nuno Espirito Santo was still managing the Tricky Trees.
However, West Ham won 2-1 at the London Stadium in May 2025, showing they can perform at home against this opponent.
The historical data reveals interesting patterns. Forest won 5-0 in an FA Cup match in January 2014, while West Ham secured a 4-1 victory in the Championship in August 2011.
These results demonstrate the unpredictable nature of this fixture.
Statistical Analysis
West Ham’s defensive record stands out as particularly concerning. The team has conceded in every home match this season, accumulating 23 goals against at the London Stadium.
Their nine-game winless streak represents their worst run of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest has struggled on the road, failing to score in five away Premier League matches this season.
Their four-match losing streak equals their longest run of defeats in the current campaign.
The team has managed just 19 goals in 20 matches, highlighting their offensive struggles.
Tactical Analysis
West Ham typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation that prioritizes width and quick transitions.
However, their defensive organization has collapsed repeatedly, with the back four struggling to maintain shape against counter-attacks.
The midfield lacks protection, leaving gaps that opponents exploit regularly.
Forest operates with a similar 4-2-3-1 system under Sean Dyche, focusing on defensive solidity and direct attacking play.
Their approach emphasizes quick vertical passes to forwards and exploiting set-piece opportunities.
The team’s recent struggles stem from individual errors rather than systemic tactical failures.
Read all Football Predictions.
Key Players to Watch
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
The English winger remains West Ham’s most dangerous attacking threat.
His pace and directness create problems for opposing defenses, and he must deliver quality in the final third.
Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
The creative midfielder orchestrates Forest’s attacking play. His vision and passing range make him essential to breaking down organized defenses.
Tomas Soucek (West Ham)
The Czech midfielder’s return to the starting lineup provides much-needed stability in the center of the park.
His physical presence and work rate will be crucial in controlling midfield battles.
Expert Insight
Jarrod Bowen could prove decisive in this match. His ability to stretch defenses with runs in behind creates space for teammates, and Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities on the flanks present opportunities for exploitation.
If West Ham can supply quality service to Bowen, his pace and finishing ability could unlock a stubborn Forest defense.
Current Standings
Premier League Table (Relevant Positions):
17th – Nottingham Forest: 18 points (5W-3D-12L)
18th – West Ham United: 14 points (3W-5D-12L)
The four-point gap between the teams makes this fixture critical for both clubs’ survival hopes.
Match Prediction
West Ham’s defensive frailties and lack of confidence suggest they will struggle to contain Forest’s attacking players.
Despite Forest’s poor away form, the visitors possess enough quality to exploit the Hammers’ weaknesses at the back.
The home side’s inability to keep clean sheets points toward another disappointing result.
Predicted Score: West Ham United 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Forest should capitalize on West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities to secure three vital points in their relegation battle.
The visitors’ superior position in the table and West Ham’s extended winless run support this outcome.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s position as manager hangs in the balance, and another defeat could seal his fate at the London Stadium.
FAQs
Where To Watch West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Live?
Fans can watch West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom, on USA Network in the United States, on Star Sports Select HD1 and JioHotstar in India, on DAZN Canada in Canada, and on Stan Sport in Australia, with the match broadcast across 150+ countries through various regional sports networks on Tuesday, January 7, 2026.
Who Will Win West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Nottingham Forest will likely win the match against West Ham United because the visitors can exploit the Hammers’ defensive crisis that has produced zero home clean sheets and 23 goals conceded at the London Stadium this season, while West Ham’s nine-game winless streak and manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s 26-match run without a clean sheet create favorable conditions for Forest despite their own four-match losing run.
What is West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Match Kick-Off Time?
West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest kicks off on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, at the London Stadium in a crucial Premier League relegation battle, with the match scheduled for evening kickoff in the United Kingdom as part of the midweek fixture schedule following the busy festive period.
Are There Any Injuries in West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
West Ham United faces injury doubts over Lucas Paqueta (back) and Jean-Clair Todibo (groin) while missing El Hadji Malick Diouf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the Africa Cup of Nations, and Nottingham Forest will be without Chris Wood (knee), Ryan Yates (thigh), John Victor (calf), Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare (both at AFCON), with Callum Hudson-Odoi (knock) and Dan Ndoye (calf) listed as doubtful for the relegation clash.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
The predicted score for West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest is 1-2 in favor of the visitors because Forest can capitalize on West Ham’s league-worst home defensive record of 23 goals conceded without a clean sheet, while the Hammers’ nine-game winless streak and Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical struggles against his former club create conditions for an away victory despite Forest’s recent four-match losing run.
Nottingham Forest Standing with Points?
Nottingham Forest sits in 17th place in the Premier League with 18 points from 20 matches after recording 5 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses with a goal difference of -14, placing them four points above the relegation zone and four points ahead of West Ham United in their fight for top-flight survival.
West Ham United Standing With Points?
West Ham United occupies 18th place in the Premier League with 14 points from 20 matches after collecting 3 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses with a goal difference of -20, leaving the Hammers in the relegation zone and facing mounting pressure on manager Nuno Espirito Santo following their nine-game winless streak.