West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Prediction, Match Preview, Tuesday, 6 January

West Ham will face Nottingham Forest in a Premier League clash on Tuesday, 6 January, at the London Stadium. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to climb the league standings. West Ham, playing at home, will aim to use their familiarity with the London Stadium to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will be eager to prove their quality against a strong Premier League opponent.

The significance of this fixture cannot be overstated, as both teams are striving to improve their positions in the league. West Ham’s performances at the London Stadium have been a key factor in their campaign, while Nottingham Forest will look to upset the hosts and gain valuable points. With both teams eager to make a statement, this Premier League encounter promises to be an intriguing battle.

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Over 2.5 Goals	1.95

Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams and their recent form, the best betting tip for this match is to back over 2.5 goals. West Ham have shown significant defensive frailties, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 matches, while Nottingham Forest have conceded 8 goals in their last 5 games. Additionally, both teams possess attacking threats that are likely to exploit these defensive weaknesses.

• West Ham have conceded an average of 2.1 goals per game this season, indicating a leaky defence.
• More than 2.5 goals have been scored in 71% of the 7 matches between these teams over the past 5 seasons.
• Injuries to key defenders on both sides further increase the likelihood of a high-scoring game.

Betting Odds

West Ham head into this clash with Nottingham Forest as underdogs, despite playing at the London Stadium. The betting odds reflect a tight contest, with Forest slightly favoured to edge out a win. A draw is also considered likely, offering decent returns for those backing a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
West Ham to win	3.1
Draw	3.38
Nottingham Forest to win	2.28

For those considering alternative markets, both teams to score and over 2.5 goals could be worth a punt, given the attacking potential on show. Keep an eye on the in-play odds as the match unfolds, as they may present some intriguing opportunities.

West Ham Analysis & Past Performance

West Ham’s recent form has been concerning, as they have not secured a win in their last five matches, with their latest outing resulting in a 0-3 defeat at Wolverhampton. This poor run includes four losses and a single draw, highlighting a challenging period for the team. Their struggles are further reflected by a goals scored average of 0.80 and a goals conceded average of 2.40 during this period, indicating issues at both ends of the pitch.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton	West Ham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
West Ham	Brighton	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
West Ham	Fulham	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Manchester City	West Ham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
West Ham	Aston Villa	2 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

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Defensively, West Ham have been vulnerable, failing to keep any clean sheets in their last five games. They currently sit in 18th place, with only 14 points accumulated so far this season. Offensively, Jarrod Bowen remains a key figure with six goals, but the team’s reliance on his contributions highlights a lack of diverse attacking threats. At home, West Ham’s record is slightly better but still concerning, with just one win from their last five home fixtures. This underlines the pressing need for tactical adjustments to improve their defensive solidity and attacking efficiency.

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham face a challenging situation with the absence of Łukasz Fabiański due to a back injury, likely keeping him out until mid-January 2026. His experience and leadership in goal are crucial for the team, and his absence could impact their defensive solidity. Alphonse Areola, stepping in as the starting goalkeeper, will need to fill the void left by Fabiański. Areola’s agility and shot-stopping ability will be pivotal against Nottingham Forest.

Jean-Clair Todibo is also a doubt due to a knock. His potential absence might force West Ham to adjust their defensive strategies. However, the presence of Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman in the lineup provides a solid foundation. They will need to be at their best to maintain the team’s defensive resilience.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jean-Clair Todibo	Minor injury	Doubtful
Łukasz Fabiański	Back injury	Mid January 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, West Ham will focus on optimising their available options. The tactical setup under Nuno Espírito Santo may not see drastic changes, but the team will rely heavily on their midfield and forward lines to compensate for potential defensive vulnerabilities. The attacking prowess of Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson will be crucial in breaking down Nottingham Forest’s defence, potentially influencing the betting markets by increasing the odds of a high-scoring game.

West Ham Key Players

West Ham’s offensive threat is led by top scorer Jarrod Bowen, who has netted 6 goals this season. Bowen’s agility and sharp eye for goal make him a constant menace for opposition defences, and his ability to exploit spaces will be crucial against Nottingham Forest. His role in midfield allows him to orchestrate play and provide crucial link-ups with forward Callum Wilson.

In the forward line, Callum Wilson brings experience and an instinctive knack for scoring goals. His presence in the box is expected to keep the Nottingham Forest defence on their toes. Meanwhile, in midfield, Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa are pivotal in controlling the tempo and providing both defensive cover and attacking impetus.

Expected lineup for West Ham

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
• Defence: Kyle Walker-Peters, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Max Kilman, Oliver Scarles
• Midfield: Freddie Potts, Soungoutou Magassa, Mateus Fernandes, Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen
• Forward: Callum Wilson

Defensively, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman form a robust partnership at the back. Their ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be vital in maintaining West Ham’s defensive solidity. Kyle Walker-Peters adds dynamism on the flanks, contributing to both defensive duties and offensive overlaps, which could be instrumental in breaking down the opposition.

West Ham Tactics and Formation

West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Callum Wilson
• Midfield Pivot: Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded in all last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession rates but struggle to convert into goals.

West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to dominate possession, as evidenced by their 68% possession in the recent loss to Wolverhampton. However, converting this control into goals remains a challenge, highlighted by a scoreless performance despite a dominant midfield presence.

Defensively, the team struggles to maintain clean sheets, having conceded in each of their last five matches. The backline, featuring Kyle Walker-Peters and Max Kilman, must tighten up to provide more stability, especially against Nottingham Forest’s counterattacks.

Offensively, Jarrod Bowen’s creativity and Callum Wilson’s finishing are pivotal. The duo aim to turn West Ham’s possession advantage into tangible scoring opportunities. Despite recent struggles, their ability to press high could disrupt Nottingham Forest’s build-up play.

Nottingham Forest Analysis & Past Performance

Nottingham Forest’s recent form has been challenging, with their last five matches reflecting a struggle to find consistent success. The team has secured just one win against Tottenham (3-0) and endured four defeats, including a tough 3-1 loss to Aston Villa away from home. This run has seen Nottingham Forest score five goals while conceding eight, resulting in an average of 1.00 goals scored per match and 1.60 goals conceded.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Aston Villa	Nottingham Forest	3 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Everton	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Nottingham Forest	Manchester City	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Fulham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	22 Dec 2025
Nottingham Forest	Tottenham	3 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Nottingham Forest’s attacking efforts have been led by Morgan Gibbs-White, who has netted four goals this season. However, the team has only managed to score in three of their last five outings. Defensively, they have struggled for stability, with only one clean sheet in the same period. Their away form shows some resilience with two wins out of the last five away matches, but consistency remains elusive with a win ratio of 40% away from home.

Team Dynamics:

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Currently sitting 17th in the league with 18 points, Nottingham Forest’s performances highlight the need for both offensive and defensive improvements. The team’s tactical approach often leaves them vulnerable at the back, as evidenced by a losing streak of four games and only three clean sheets across their last ten matches. Addressing these defensive frailties will be crucial if they are to climb the league standings.

Nottingham Forest Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest face a challenging situation with Chris Wood sidelined due to a knee injury, expected to return in early February 2026. His absence leaves a significant void in the forward line, potentially affecting their attacking depth. Ryan Yates, suffering from a hamstring injury, is anticipated to return by mid-January 2026. His absence in midfield could impact the team’s ability to control the game, especially against a dynamic West Ham side.

Dan Ndoye’s knock adds another layer of complexity, with his status listed as doubtful. The lack of clarity on his availability may force coach Sean Dyche to rely heavily on the current squad’s resilience and adaptability. With these key players out, Nottingham Forest might need to adjust their tactics, perhaps adopting a more conservative approach to compensate for reduced attacking options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chris Wood	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Ryan Yates	Hamstring injury	Mid January 2026
Dan Ndoye	Minor injury	Doubtful

In the absence of Chris Wood, Nottingham Forest may look to Igor Jesus to lead the line, supported by the creative talents of Morgan Gibbs-White and Omari Hutchinson. This setup could push the team to focus on quick transitions and counter-attacks, leveraging their pace and agility. Ryan Yates’s role in midfield will likely be filled by Nicolás Domínguez, who will need to step up as a defensive anchor to shield the backline.

The unavailability of these players could influence betting markets as punters assess Nottingham Forest’s ability to cope without key figures. This scenario might tilt the odds slightly in favour of West Ham, given their home advantage and Nottingham’s current squad limitations.

Nottingham Forest Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer with 4 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net from midfield positions makes him a pivotal playmaker and a critical asset in breaking down defences. Gibbs-White’s vision and creativity could be the key to unlocking West Ham’s backline. Alongside him, Nicolás Domínguez is expected to play a significant role in midfield, offering both defensive solidity and forward drive.

Defensively, Nikola Milenković and Murillo will be tasked with organising the backline. Their strength in aerial duels and tactical awareness will be vital in repelling West Ham’s attacking threats. In attack, Igor Jesus is the focal point, whose movement and finishing abilities can provide the cutting edge in Forest’s offensive play. Ola Aina’s versatility and pace from full-back could also offer an additional outlet in wide areas, enhancing the team’s tactical flexibility.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest

• Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
• Defence: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Neco Williams
• Midfield: Dilane Bakwa, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Nicolás Domínguez, Omari Hutchinson
• Forward: Igor Jesus

Nottingham Forest Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Igor Jesus
• Midfield Pivot: Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolás Domínguez
• Defensive Concerns: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and quick counterattacking play.

Nottingham Forest’s 4-5-1 formation is structured to provide solidity in midfield, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolás Domínguez playing pivotal roles in both offensive and defensive transitions. Gibbs-White, the team’s top scorer, offers creativity and goal-scoring threat, while Domínguez contributes with his defensive acumen and passing range.

Defensively, the backline comprised of Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, and Neco Williams is tasked with maintaining a compact shape. However, the team has struggled to keep clean sheets, managing only one in their last five matches, indicating potential vulnerabilities against high-pressing teams.

Offensively, Nottingham Forest rely heavily on the support of their midfielders to aid Igor Jesus, the lone forward. Their strategy focuses on quick counterattacks, utilising the pace and dribbling skills of wingers Dilane Bakwa and Omari Hutchinson to stretch opposition defences.

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Head-to-Head Record

West Ham and Nottingham Forest have faced off 16 times, with West Ham leading the head-to-head record with 9 wins to Forest’s 6, and just 1 draw. The last meeting saw West Ham triumph 3-0 away at Forest in the Premier League, underlining their strength on the road.

The last time these two met at the London Stadium, Nottingham Forest managed a 2-1 victory, which was one of their rare wins in this fixture. Historically, West Ham have been strong at home against Forest, but recent results suggest a more competitive edge.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Nottingham Forest	West Ham United	0 – 3	Premier League	2025-08-31
West Ham United	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2	Premier League	2025-05-18
Nottingham Forest	West Ham United	3 – 0	Premier League	2024-11-02
Nottingham Forest	West Ham United	2 – 0	Premier League	2024-02-17
West Ham United	Nottingham Forest	3 – 2	Premier League	2023-11-12