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West Ham Get ‘Right Result’ as European Campaign Keeps Forest Distracted

Photo of Gonzo Gonzo | 16:15 27/02/26
Image for West Ham Get ‘Right Result’ as European Campaign Keeps Forest Distracted

It might not have been a fixture that would ordinarily grab the attention of West Ham fans, but last night Nottingham Forest were involved in a game which could have far-reaching ramifications in the Premier League relegation scrap.

At the City Ground, Forest lost 2–1 to Fenerbahçe in the Europa League. However, thanks to their victory in the first leg, they progressed to the next round.

Not only that, but Vítor Pereira’s side have been drawn against Danish club FC Midtjylland, presenting a genuine opportunity to advance even further in the competition.

European Distraction Could Aid West Ham

What does this mean for West Ham? Quite simply, while our relegation rivals have half an eye on European competition, they will now be dealing with fixture congestion.

And let’s be honest, Midtjylland are hardly European heavyweights. Forest will fancy their chances of overcoming the Danes.

Therefore, you would imagine owner Evangelos Marinakis will be urging Pereira to go for it, especially having tasted European success previously with Olympiacos.

Clutching at straws? Perhaps.

But at this stage of the season, I will take anything that improves West Ham’s survival chances.

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Gonzo

Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.

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8 comments

  • Q says:
    February 28, 2026 at 4:18 am

    Outwardly it looks good but could the European campaign also give them relief from the domestic campaign and give them much needed confidence and extra fitness going into the final run of games.

  • AmericanHammer says:
    February 27, 2026 at 5:23 pm

    Please tell me that you are aware of the irony in all this as we chase FA cup glory….

    • Gonzo says:
      February 27, 2026 at 5:57 pm

      Well, we’d have to agree that we are chasing glory for that to be the case. I suspect we’re not and in any case, it’s not quite the same as two legged rounds hosted midweek in foreign countries before crucial league games.

      • AmericanHammer says:
        February 27, 2026 at 6:03 pm

        Fair point!

        But I’ll stand by my assertion that our FA cup run is a drain on our players levels that could cost us safety.

        Cheers!

        • Gonzo says:
          February 27, 2026 at 6:08 pm

          Yeah of course mate, I’m just not sure whether he’ll pick the likes of Summerville and Bowen in the cup. I think the Forest owner will insist on really going for the trophy.

          Thanks for posting mate

  • arniehammer says:
    February 27, 2026 at 5:19 pm

    all through this game i was thinking the same Gonzo, further they go would be better for us….

  • Whippethammer says:
    February 27, 2026 at 4:44 pm

    Agreed, can’t see Maranakis allowing anything to get in the way of Euro glory.
    At what expense, we’ll see.

Comments are closed.