LONDON, England — West Ham United prepare to face Nottingham Forest in their final Premier League home match of the season on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The match kicks off at 2:15 PM BST at London Stadium, and both teams have different stakes in the game.
West Ham, currently in 15th position, are coming off a much-needed victory against Manchester United where they won 2-0. Graham Potter‘s men will look to build on this momentum as they aim to finish the season strong.
Additonally, West Ham’s departing players — Aaron Cresswell, Vladimír Coufal, Łukasz Fabiański, and Danny Ings — are set to play their final match at home, adding an emotional undertone to the encounter.
On the other side, Nottingham Forest, in seventh place, are fighting for a spot in the UEFA Champions League. A win is crucial for them, after failing to secure victory in their last three matches.
Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest’s manager, expressed concern for striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who underwent surgery after an injury last week. He confirmed that Awoniyi is recovering well. Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo are doubtful for the match due to their respective injuries.
Nottingham Forest previously defeated West Ham 3-0 in their last encounter in November. As this is the 122nd competitive meeting, West Ham holds a slight edge with 48 wins to Forest’s 47.
“We are concerned but we are positive,” Nuno said regarding Awoniyi’s recovery. “The team is ready for the challenge ahead.”
West Ham’s predicted lineup features a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Areola in goal, supported by Todibo, Kilman, and Cresswell in defense. They will rely on Bowen and Kudus in attack to deliver the much-needed goals.
Pundits expect a thrilling matchup. With West Ham’s recent success against top teams proving their capabilities, the motivation from Nottingham Forest’s need to secure Champions League qualification should boost the intensity of the match.
As both teams hope to secure their objectives, fans can expect a highly competitive clash. Tickets are still available, and those attending are encouraged to arrive early due to anticipated security checks.
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