Football
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: May 18, 2025 Venue: London Stadium Kickoff Time: 15:15 This will be an interesting fixture to witness given the way both clubs come into this fixture. West Ham got back to winning ways after their victory against Man United, which will give them a huge boost of confidence to go on and secure back-to-back victories for the first time since February, especially with the luxury of playing at the London Stadium.
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Lucas Paqueta and Chris Wood//Getty Images
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest has been their own worst enemy. Having sat 10 points clear of sixth place at the start of April, Forest is now a point off fifth place and has dropped to seventh, potentially putting an end to their Champions League dream which would have been a return to Europe’s top-tier competition for the first time in 45 years.
The London Stadium will play host as Graham Potter and West Ham look to follow up on their previous victory and put on a show for the home fans one last time as they go head-to-head with a wounded Nottingham Forest outfit that will be out to rediscover their best form. SportBoom provides a detailed preview of this Premier League fixture, including pre-game odds, current form, and betting tips, which is set to take place on 18 May 2025. With the stakes still high, this clash could holds strong relevance for those following Premier League betting markets.
Pre-Game Odds & Win Probability
HOME: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
DRAW: 47/20 (3.35) – 29.9%
AWAY: 31/20 (2.55) – 39.2%
Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change.
Head-To-Head Record
Last five meetings (Premier League)
02/11/2024: Nottingham 3-0 West Ham
17/02/2024: Nottingham 2-0 West Ham
12/11/2023: West Ham 3-2 Nottingham
25/02/2023: West Ham 4-0 Nottingham
14/08/2022: Nottingham 1-0 Everton
West Ham Current Form – LDLDW
West Ham have definitely performed way below their usual standards, but having three managers in a single season can have a huge impact on performance. Graham Potter, who replaced Julen Lopetegui, was brought in to steady the ship and get the Hammers back on track after a series of disappointing results. Potter, known for his possession-based, high-intensity pressing game and quick attacking style of play, is one of the most respected English managers in the game and could be the man to bring back the glory days for Hammers fans.
However, it has not been the best start to life with West Ham for Potter as the Englishman has won just four out of his 17 matches in charge. The last five games have seen West Ham lose to Liverpool 2-1, followed by a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Southampton. Potter came up short again in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Brighton, a fixture they could have won if it weren’t for their defensive errors. A draw against Tottenham showed signs of improvement, which was followed by an impressive victory over Man United, their first win at Old Trafford since 2007, also ending an eight-match winless league run.
Key Players To Watch
- Jarrod Bowen: Bowen is quite technical, with excellent ball control and dribbling skills. His direct approach, quick runs and high mobility on the field make him a constant threat in the final third. He has a keen eye for goal, frequently finding himself in scoring positions and finishing with composure when called upon.
- Tomas Soucek: Soucek excels in both defensive and offensive roles, covering a lot of ground during matches. His ability to break up opposition attacks and win back possession is crucial for his team. Despite being a defensive midfielder, Soucek has a knack for scoring goals, making late runs into the box and from set-pieces where he can use his height advantage.
- Mohammed Kudus: Kudus is comfortable playing in various positions across the midfield and forward lines, making him a valuable asset to his team. He excels at navigating through tight spaces with his impressive dribbling ability, and his technical skills enable him to maintain control while making quick decisions under pressure, whether it be creating scoring opportunities or scoring them himself.
West Ham Team News
Crysencio Summerville has missed a large part of the 2024/25 campaign and will only return next season after undergoing successful surgery on his hamstring. Michail Antonio is seeing some improvements in his health following his serious accident earlier this season, as the forward has begun to work in the gym again. This is good news, but it still appears a return this season is outside of the picture, with the forward still gaining power back in his muscles.
Nottingham Current Form – LWLDD
Nottingham has painted a bad image for themselves when club chief Evangelos Marinakis stormed the pitch to confront Nuno Espirito Santo after their 2-2 draw with Leicester. This could have a negative impact on the club’s achievement this season, however, Santo will need to remain focused and professional moving forward, as the Portuguese has guided the Reds back to compete in Europe’s elite competition. Looking at where the club’s been to now, competing for continental glory is a testament to the exceptional job Santo has been able to do.
The Reds have lost their way in the last five games, which has seen them throw away their Champions League dream. The defeat at home to Everton was a painful loss after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s 90th-minute winner. Santo demanded a quick turnaround, and they delivered in their 2-1 win over Spurs but fell to defeat again to Brentford. This was followed by back-to-back draws, which saw them drop valuable points leading up to this fixture with the Hammers.
Key Players To Watch
- Anthony Elanga: Elanga's blistering pace enables him to outpace defenders and carve out space in wide areas, making him a menace on the counterattack. His exceptional work rate and stamina ensure he contributes significantly at both ends of the pitch. Additionally, he possesses a keen eye for goal, frequently netting crucial goals in pivotal matches.
- Morgan Gibbs-White: Gibbs-White showcases exceptional ball control and dribbling skills, enabling him to manoeuvre through tight spaces and retain possession even under intense pressure. He excels at creating scoring opportunities for his teammates with pinpoint passes and astute through balls. His remarkable vision on the field allows him to identify and exploit gaps in the opposition's defence, establishing him as a standout player in the midfield.
- Chris Wood: Wood’s playing style is characterised by his physicality, aerial dominance, and goal-scoring instincts. He excels as a traditional target man, thriving in aerial duels and set-piece situations. His strong build and ability to hold up the ball make him a formidable presence in the box. Wood is also known for his reliable goal-scoring, particularly with headers, and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Nottingham Team News
Murillo hopes to recover from a hamstring injury in time for this fixture; however, the recovery will depend on the severity of the injury. Callum Hudson-Odoi is a doubt to return before the end of the season due to a hamstring injury, despite reports suggesting he could be back soon.
Predicted Line-Up
West Ham: 3-4-3
A. Areola, J. Todibo, M. Kilman, A. Cresswell, V. Coufal, T. Soucek, E. Alvarez, A. Wan-Bissaka, M. Kudus, L. Paqueta, J. Bowen
Nottingham: 4-2-3-1
M. Sels, O. Aina, N. Milenkovic, Morato, N. Williams, I. Sangare, E. Anderson, N. Domínguez, M. Gibbs-White, A. Elanga, C. Wood
Suggested Bets
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Both Teams To Score: Both teams boast impressive attacking quality and have consistently demonstrated their ability to score across their last three matches. Their offensive prowess ensures an exciting and goal-filled encounter. 77/100 (1.77) with Betway.
Total (Over 2.5): There will be a winner in this fixture, which will provide goals as the match progresses. 101/100 (2.01) with 1xBet.
Double Chance (West Ham): The Hammers come into this fixture off a massive victory, which will boost their confidence, especially when playing at home. Get on at 59/100 (1.59) with BetWinner.
Value Bets
This match offers a prime opportunity for football online betting fanatics to leverage strategic insights and significantly boost their chances of success.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Chris Wood): Chris Wood has been the talisman for Forest this season and has been a reliable goal scorer when called upon. 8/5 (2.6) with 1Win.
Anytime Goal Scorer (Jarrod Bowen): Jarrod Bowen is a key figure in the attack for West Ham and has a keen eye for goal. 9/4 (3.25) with Stake.
First Half Goal Range (2-3 Goals): Both teams will aim to assert their dominance early in the match, leading to goals from both sides as the game progresses and concentration levels inevitably drop. This dynamic promises an exciting and high-scoring encounter. 37/20 (2.85) with Bettilt.
Prediction: Nottingham to Win
Nottingham currently has more at stake than West Ham as the season approaches its conclusion. The team is determined to rediscover their winning form and finish the campaign on a high note, with a fiery resolve and a renewed sense of purpose driving them forward.
Marc Strydom is a dedicated sports lover with a wealth of experience in the sports betting industry, mostly as a Chief Editor of a sports betting publication in South Africa. While Marc’s enthusiasm covers many sports, football and NBA are his favourites. His articles feature on multiple top-rated platforms, covering a wide range of topics.