The Premier League is in full swing, and West Ham United barely has time to savour their recent victory over Manchester United before facing a new challenge.
This weekend, the Hammers head to the Midlands to take on Nottingham Forest, the season’s surprise package.
Forest, sitting seventh in the table, have defied expectations with their defensive solidity, conceding only seven goals in nine games—a record bettered only by Liverpool. Few would have predicted such resilience from Forest back in August.
However, Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo faces significant midfield challenges ahead of West Ham’s visit. Loanee James Ward-Prowse is unavailable due to restrictions on playing against his parent club, a blow for Forest’s midfield control.
Adding to Santo’s headaches, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood are both doubtful, with the club describing them as 50/50 for Saturday’s fixture. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo remain long-term absentees due to injury.
Gibbs-White, in particular, has been Forest’s creative spark this season, orchestrating attacks and providing vision from midfield.
His absence from the club’s open training session this week raised concerns over his availability.
For West Ham, a Gibbs-White-less Forest would be welcome news, as he has proven himself to be instrumental to Forest’s attacking play.
In his place, Elliot Anderson has performed admirably so far, slotting into the No. 10 role against Leicester and Crystal Palace. The former Newcastle player may lack Gibbs-White’s flair but has proven himself a capable and steady hand.
As for West Ham, manager Julen Lopetegui has his own lineup issues to contend with. Both Niclas Fullkrug and Mohammed Kudus will be unavailable, absences that have been well-documented for differing reasons.
Their impact will be missed, but the Hammers will look to build on the momentum from their win over United.
West Ham’s visit to The City Ground will likely be a tougher test than the subdued United attack they faced last Sunday. Forest, boasting a disciplined defence and home advantage, are unlikely to offer the same errors in front of goal.
To secure a result, West Ham will need to deliver a sustained, 90-minute performance, avoiding the inconsistencies that plagued their showing against United.