West Ham’s penultimate game of the season combines the ‘end of an era’ feel of multiple departures from the club with the urgent requirement for three more points: Thirteenth spot is still open too the Hammers after dreadful season so time to put the sentimentalities aside until the end o the game. I do wonder whether Aaron Cresswell’s pre-match ‘presentation’ – along with the Hammer of the Year award ceremony – might be better taking place after the serious business of the contest against Nottingham Forest is done.
Graham Potter has to decide how best to deal with Forest – the usual dilemma of two or three up front will surely see just Kudus and Bowen start with super sub Fullkrug on the bench. Whilst Nottingham Forest have injury issues with the dreadful accident that befell Taiwo Awoniyi – hopefully he’s now in recovery – and Murillo plus Hudson-Odoi set to miss todays game too.
Our best guess as to West Ham’s line-up:| 3-5-2
Areola | Todibo, Kilman, Cresswell | Coufal, Ward-Prowse, Paquetá (if recovered- or Soler) Soucek, Wan-Bissaka | Bowen, Kudus
Scores
Martin 1-0 West Ham (Bowen again, being the in-form player)
Sean 1 – 0 West Ham – (Cressie free kick )
Gonzo 2 – 1 Hammers win
Matt -1 2 Forest win (brutal realist, whilst the rest of us dream..)
Remember to check back at 1.00 for the team announcement: The game is live on Sky at 2.15pm so Gonzo’s player ratings will be available after the game for you to compare with your own impressions!
Come.On.You.Irons!
Not sure how motivated Forest will be to WIN today, as they are secure in 7th, with Europa League next year and Champions League pretty unlikely.
I expect (And may be wrong) Forest to sit deep, defend to hit West Ham on the break (Which they are susceptible).
Which may mean a frustrating game with West Ham holding possession, passing around the back/midfield without being able to break down the ‘low-block’.
Going optimistic and say 1-0
Or…
Losing 1-2 😂
Got to get real here Notts Forest are far more advanced than we are and should win this game Sad but true Untill we realise and accept how far backwards we have fallen nothing will improve Get back to reality and basics and we have a chance of a future
Westham’s XG is consistently 1 and XG against 2 and so Westham will need to be lucky to win this one . Perhaps if Potter is sacked pre match Westham will have a better chance of a win .
JLo was a clown but we averaged 5 shots more than we do under Potter!
We were hoping for better football after Moyes. Sullivan in his wisdom took us backwards and then further backwards with his appointments.