Nottingham Forest's Nuno Beltanglares displays a sense of tranquility and security in his current role.

Nottingham Forest is off to a flying start in the 2025-26 Premier League season, with an unbeaten record after two matches. The team, coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, has secured a 3-1 win over Brentford and a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

One of the standout performers for Forest has been Chris Wood, the club's forward. Wood has a remarkable record against West Ham, having scored eight times in the Premier League, his highest tally against any opponent. He has also netted eight goals in his last ten home matches, including a brace against Brentford on the opening day.

The new signing, Ndoye from Bologna, has made an immediate impact, contributing to a goal in each of his first two Premier League matches for Forest. He scored one goal and provided one assist.

Forest is aiming to secure back-to-back home league wins to start a season for the first time since the 2017-18 Championship campaign in the top flight since the 1984-85 season.

West Ham United, on the other hand, is struggling in the early stages of the season. The team is winless in their opening three games, a stark contrast to their ever-present status in the Premier League under David Moyes. Since Potter took charge on January 14, no ever-present Premier League team has earned fewer points than the Hammers (20 points).

Opta predicts a 55.0% chance of a Forest win, while a draw is predicted at 23.8% and West Ham at 21.1%.

West Ham has failed to score in any of their last four Premier League visits to the City Ground, posting one draw and three defeats. The last West Ham player to score at the City Ground was Michael Hughes in September 1996.

In an effort to improve their fortunes, West Ham has been proactive in the transfer market, securing the signings of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa. Fernandes, who scored three goals and provided six assists for Southampton last season, joined the team for an estimated £40m.

Nottingham Forest has also made some key signings, including Nicolo Savona from Juventus.

However, there is uncertainty about Nuno's future as head coach at Nottingham Forest due to issues with the club's leadership. Nuno and Forest president Evangelos Marinakis had a working relationship since Santo became Forest's manager in December 2023, leading the club to its first European qualification in 30 years. However, tensions arose due to Santo's public criticism of Marinakis regarding transfer policy, culminating in Santo's dismissal in September 2025.

Despite these challenges, Forest qualified for the Europa League. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest received his first England call-up, adding to the team's momentum. Callum Hudson-Odoi also signed a fresh three-year deal with Nottingham Forest, committing his future to the club.

As the season progresses, both teams will be eager to secure a much-needed win in their upcoming match at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest's Nuno Beltanglares displays a sense of tranquility and security in his current role.