The Hammers and Tricky Trees lock horns as West Ham host Nottingham Forest in a crunch London Stadium clash!

West Ham are in a pickle after three straight league losses and desperately need to stop the rot. But Forest are bouncing after finally ending their barren winless run last week.

Forest's array of attacking talents like Gibbs-White and Awoniyi will relish facing West Ham's leaky backline. But Jarrod Bowen would love to dazzle against Forest's shaky rearguard.

In midfield, Ironman Mangala tackles the craft of Paqueta. While David Moyes will demand a response from his troops after their recent slump.

Can Forest build on their momentum to chop down the Hammers? Or will West Ham hammer out their troubles with a bounce-back win? An intriguing battle lies in wait in East London!

West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest

The match will take place on Sunday, 12th November 2023, at London Stadium

Forest End Barren Run as Villa's Unbeaten Streak Snapped

Nottingham Forest drew first blood after just 5 minutes when Ola Aina thumped home the opener, setting the tone for their whole performance.

Aina demonstrated perfect timing to arrive on the edge of the box and clinically finish off Toffolo's cutback. His first Forest goal was just a reward for their bright start.

Grabbing an early lead allowed Forest to sit in and play on the counterattack. It gave them a platform to end their six-game winless streak.

Toffolo Torments Villa Down the Flank

Recalled wing-back Harry Toffolo made an instant impact with his driving runs down the left flank. He created both goals with tempting low crosses.

Toffolo's delivery and link-up play with Elanga gave Villa headaches all afternoon. The rampaging wing-back provided width and an outlet throughout.

His double assist justifies his return to the side. Toffolo played a starring role in a much-needed Forest triumph.

Mangala Pounces to Punish Martinez Error

Midfielder Orel Mangala capitalized on Martinez's howler to seal the win with his first Forest goal early in the second half.

As the Villa keeper spilled his long-range drive, Mangala reacted quickest to force the ball home off the keeper's legs.

That touch of predatory instinct from Mangala put the game beyond Villa's reach. A potentially massive goal in Forest's season.

Martinez Blunder Swings Momentum

The turning point came early in the second half when Emiliano Martinez gifted Forest their second with a needless error.

The normally reliable keeper made a mess of saving Mangala's shot, allowing it to spin loose and trickle over the line.

That bizarre mistake knocked the stuffing out of Villa after the break, robbing them of belief just when they needed to push on. A nightmare moment for Martinez.

Toothless Attack without Ings

Missing injured striker Danny Ings, Villa lacked any real focal point or penalty box presence to trouble Forest's rugged backline.

Ollie Watkins battled hard up top but service was sparse. Villa were toothless in the final third without Ings' smart movement and link-up play.

The England man's predatory instincts around goal were sorely lacking. Getting Ings back fit is imperative for Villa's top-four bid.

Hammers Made to Rue Missed Chances

West Ham were left kicking themselves after missed chances ultimately proved costly at both ends. Antonio somehow fired wide when clean through at 2-1.

That glaring miss could have put the game to bed before Brentford's fightback. At the other end, Areola stayed rooted as Mavropanos nodded the level.

The Hammers played well for large spells but failed to take their opportunities. Switching off at key moments came back to haunt them once more.

Kudus Magic Not Enough for Hammers

West Ham took the lead after a moment of inspiration from their new Ghanaian gem Mohammed Kudus. His acrobatic volley was a sensational equalizer.

Kudus looked the Hammers' main dangerman, creating the second for Bowen with another precise cutback. On this evidence, he could be the signing that transforms West Ham's fortunes.

But despite Kudus' efforts, slack defending meant the Hammers succumbed in an all too familiar fashion. The frontman deserved better.

Set Piece Madness Costs Hammers Dearly

West Ham's long-standing Achilles heel at defending set pieces reared its ugly head again as Brentford profited twice. Mavropanos' own goal came from a corner before Collins headed the winner.

The ease with which Brentford scored from dead balls will infuriate boss Moyes. Losing aerial battles and slack marking remains West Ham's biggest flaw.

Until they eradicate these constant lapses, the Hammers will continue to ship unnecessary goals. An alarming weakness that better teams will hammer.

Toothless Front Two Fire Blanks

West Ham's front pairing of Antonio and Bowen barely threatened after the break as Brentford's back three kept them quiet. The duo didn't have a shot on target in the second half.

Antonio's struggles continued as he wasted a great chance and then faded from the game. While Bowen saw little of the ball out wide as West Ham sat deeper.

Moyes will want greater intensity up top to hurt teams more in transitions. His forwards failed to turn promising periods of dominance into further goals.

Predicted Lineups

West Ham United: A. Areola, Emerson, K. Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd, V. Coufal, J. Ward-Prowse, E. Alvarez, L. Paqueta, M. Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, M. Antonio

Nottingham Forest: O. Vlachodimos, Ola Aina, M. Niakhate, Murillo, Serge Aurier, Orel Mangala, I. Sangare, N. Dominguez, A. Elanga, M. Gibbs-White, T. Awoniyi

Key Battles

Antonio Power vs Boly Strength

West Ham striker Antonio will back himself to bully Forest's burly defender Willy Boly with brute force. However the experienced Frenchman has the power to handle Antonio's physicality.

If Antonio can occupy and isolate Boly, space will open up for the Hammers' attacking talents. But if Boly dominates the duel, Forest will repel the aerial threat. A spicy heavyweight tussle!

Bowen Pace vs Aurier Experience

Jarrod Bowen's electric pace could give Forest's veteran right-back Serge Aurier nightmares. But Aurier has the nowse to contain Bowen's direct runs.

This duel pits Bowen's raw speed against Aurier's positional sense and timing. Wily experience against explosive youth. Fascinating battle in store.

Conclusion

Goals look guaranteed with both sides struggling defensively. Forest's greater attacking potency could punish fragile West Ham.

But the Hammers have the individual brilliance of Bowen to conjure some magic. Expect a high-scoring thriller with the points shared.