The busy Premier League schedule rolls on Tuesday, January 6th, with Round 21 featuring a crucial clash between West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, both of whom are striving to escape the relegation zone. Currently, West Ham sits four points behind Forest in the standings, placed at the bottom of the table. The Hammers have managed just one win in their last five EPL matches, whereas Nottingham Forest has also struggled, losing four consecutive games since their 3-0 victory against Tottenham on December 14.
Kickoff at London Stadium is scheduled for 3 PM ET, with Nottingham Forest entering as slight favorites at +125 (wager $100 to win $125). The odds for West Ham to lose stand at +215 (bet $100, win $215), while a draw is priced at +245. The match total is set at 2.5 goals (-110 for over, -115 for under). For insights into the matchup, expert Martin Green, a seasoned sportswriter and handicapper with a notable background in soccer betting, provides his predictions and analysis.
Green has seen positive outcomes in various competitions like Euro Qualifiers and the FA Cup, encouraging followers to heed his bets for this critical match. His top selections for West Ham vs. Nottingham Forest include both teams to score (-134) and a Nottingham Forest win (+130).
West Ham is desperate to snap a nine-game winless streak after a disheartening 3-0 loss to Wolves over the weekend, leaving them vulnerable in 18th place, four points away from safety. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest sits just above them in 17th, facing their own challenges after losing their last four matches. The stakes are immense for both clubs, as the team finishing in 18th place will face relegation at the season’s end.
West Ham’s season has been particularly troubling, highlighted by their inability to capitalize on favorable matches, as evidenced by their lackluster performance against Wolves. Their current form shows a dismal record, with their defense being notably weak, having conceded 41 goals in 20 matches. Struggling in midfield, the Hammers rely heavily on their captain Jarrod Bowen for offensive output, but the team’s overall performance remains concerning.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest has seen their fortunes wane after an impressive seventh-place finish last season under Nuno Espirito Santo, as they’ve experienced managerial changes that have disrupted their progress. Sean Dyche has taken over as the latest figure to steer the team, but despite early promise, recent defeats have tempered expectations.
Both teams grapple with inconsistent performance, but Forest might hold the upper hand, bolstered by their earlier victory against West Ham last season. As they aim for a vital away win, the match promises to be fiercely contested, with both sides trying to recover from difficult runs of form and stay out of the relegation zone.
Fan Take: This match is crucial not only for the teams involved but also for the integrity of the Premier League. Soccer fans should pay close attention, as the fate of these teams could reshape the competition and impact the dynamics of English football.
