Nuno Espirito Santo is confident despite speculation about his future at Nottingham Forest, as they prepare to face West Ham. Forest aims to build on a strong start to the season, boosted by a Europa League draw and new signings. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s contract extension provides further stability. West Ham, struggling with form and defensive issues, seeks to avoid a third consecutive defeat, potentially without Lucas Paqueta. Key players to watch include Forest’s Dan Ndoye and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes. Opta predicts a Nottingham Forest victory.
Nuno Espirito Santo remains unfazed by speculation surrounding his future at Nottingham Forest, expressing confidence ahead of their upcoming match against West Ham. The Tricky Trees aim to capitalize on their positive start to the season, which saw them triumph over Brentford 3-1 and secure a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
Adding to the optimism at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest recently learned their Europa League draw, celebrated Elliot Anderson's maiden England call-up, and welcomed the arrival of Nicolo Savona from Juventus. Despite the backdrop of uncertainty fueled by reported issues with the club's leadership, Nuno conveyed assurance in his aligned vision with owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Nicolò in the Garibaldi. pic.twitter.com/tjKulvx47p
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 30, 2025
"The response against Crystal Palace was encouraging. We've managed to shield the players from external noise, and they are fully focused on their tasks. Their attitude in preparing for the game has been mature," Nuno stated. He added, "I am completely relaxed in that sense. It's important that we discuss the club's future and our approach following the closure of the transfer market, reaffirming our commitment to the club."
Nuno emphasized his shared ambition with Marinakis, stating, "I believe the president and I share the same objective: to secure the best possible future for Forest, without a doubt."
While questions linger about Nuno’s long-term position, a significant boost for Forest comes in the form of Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has committed his future to the club with a new three-year contract. This provides stability and strengthens the team's attacking options.
Conversely, West Ham enters the match under pressure, having endured a winless start to the season. They suffered heavy defeats against Sunderland (3-0) and Chelsea (5-1) in the league, followed by a 3-2 loss to Wolves in the EFL Cup. With their defense leaking goals, Graham Potter's side is desperate to avoid a third consecutive defeat. History isn't on their side, as they've suffered such streaks in four previous Premier League seasons, a record only surpassed by Southampton.
West Ham has been active in the transfer market, securing Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa from Southampton and Monaco, respectively. However, reports indicate that Lucas Paqueta may be omitted from the squad against Forest due to ongoing speculation about his future, adding another layer of complexity to their situation.
"I'm an experienced manager, dedicated to helping the players," Potter said. "We're all feeling the disappointment because pre-season was promising. The results haven't met our expectations, and we acknowledge that things haven't been satisfactory." He also added, "Despite the setbacks, there's a strong sense of unity and commitment within the team. I believe we're close to delivering a performance and a result that can set us on the right track."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nottingham Forest – Dan Ndoye
Since his arrival from Bologna this summer, Ndoye has seamlessly integrated into Forest's squad, making an immediate impact with a goal or assist in each of his first two Premier League appearances. He aims to become the first player in Forest's history to achieve a goal involvement in his first three league games. His previous season with Bologna saw him contribute eight goals and four assists in 30 matches.
West Ham – Mateus Fernandes
West Ham has reportedly invested heavily in Fernandes, who impressed with three goals and six assists for Southampton last season. If Paqueta is indeed unavailable, Fernandes could be thrust straight into the starting lineup on Sunday.
MATCH PREDICTION: NOTTINGHAM FOREST WIN
Nottingham Forest seeks to secure consecutive home league wins to start a season for the first time since their 2017-18 Championship campaign. In the top flight, this feat hasn't been achieved since the 1984-85 season. They have won their last three Premier League meetings against West Ham, a stark contrast to their previous record of only two wins in eleven encounters. Chris Wood boasts an impressive record against West Ham, scoring eight Premier League goals against them, his highest tally against any opponent. He has also netted eight goals in his last ten home matches, including a brace against Brentford.
Under Potter's leadership, West Ham has struggled, earning the fewest points among ever-present Premier League teams since January 14. They have managed just two wins in their last 13 games since the start of March, drawing four and losing seven. West Ham has also failed to score in their last four Premier League visits to the City Ground, with their last goal there dating back to September 1996.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nottingham Forest: 55.0%
Draw: 23.8%
West Ham: 21.1%