West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest
West Ham manager Graham Potter was reminded by journalists in his pre-match press conference that a strong finish to the season—with two wins—could boost his summer transfer budget.
While that’s technically true, it’s one of the few things giving any real weight to the Hammers’ final home fixture of the season against Nottingham Forest.
In reality, Sunday’s clash feels more like an occasion for celebrating careers and saying goodbye to long-serving players like Aaron Cresswell, Vladimír Coufal, and Łukasz Fabiański, who are all set to depart.
And they won’t be the only ones. The match could very well mark the final appearance at the London Stadium for Danny Ings, Lucas Paquetá, Mohammed Kudus, Edson Álvarez, Emerson, and potentially others.
It promises to be an odd atmosphere in Stratford—certainly not one filled with pressure, at least not for West Ham.
However, Nottingham Forest arrive with plenty in what is going to be a humdinger. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team are chasing European qualification, and with Chelsea looming in their final fixture, this game against West Ham is firmly in the ‘must-win’ category.
It’s an intriguing contrast: one side under intense pressure, the other in party mode, celebrating some truly influential players who’ve served the club with heart and loyalty.
Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic, but sport has a funny way of turning narratives on their head. West Ham’s win at Old Trafford seemed to lift a weight off Graham Potter, who looked far more relaxed in front of the press yesterday.
That change in tone has reflected across the club, with a more relaxed and upbeat atmosphere around Rush Green.
Forest might need the win more—but I’m not so sure they’ll get it.
I think that Forest have shot their bolt and will end up in the Conference league
We should get at least a point if not all three
COYI
This is so west ham, let’s concentrate on all the players that are leaving, not getting a win.
Whole feeling around the game is the seasons done, feet up on holiday because we won one in 10…
Low expectations are why this club is where it is
Sorry as soon as the final whistle goes i’m off out of the ground.
I’m not hanging around waiting for the players to come out again in what has been a S**t show of a season.
You totally missed the point.
It’s not about the past season. It’s about players who have given you great memories beforehand and leaving. Coufal & Cresswell has given us some great memories, which will last a lifetime. Some others will be leaving & deserve a goodbye, not based on the last 15 months.
“with presentations of the Hammer of The Year award and a ‘special celebration’ of Aaron Cresswell’s career BEFORE the Nottingham Forest kick off” according to Martin Treasure in the following article to this one.
So, Shake Your Booty, you won’t have to hang around anyway. Can’t say I like the idea of celebrations just before kick-off as it certainly does sound like end of term party time. Forest are in it to win it but West Ham should be too. We need to finish at least above Spurs and Man U and, as has been said, if we win this one we will do it.
After last night’s results a win guarantees finishing above Man U and Spurs. I hope the players keep that in mind and stay focused.