Following the awful injury sustained by ‘Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi who collided with the post and was later hospitalised and kept in an induced coma, the visitors to [London Stadium](https://www.claretandhugh.info/london-stadium-club-asked-to-review-much-hated-wall/) for the final home game of the season face mounting injury issues as their form has fallen away and their European challenge faltered.
Nottingham Forest will be desperate for a win to breathe life into their Champions League aspirations – a final day showdown awaits against Chelsea if they can grab the points at West Ham to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Awoniyi is joined by Callum Hudson Odoi on the sick list and there are doubts regarding Eric da Silva Moreira and defender Murillo. The visitors recent form has been so poor that [stats insider.com.au](https://www.statsinsider.com.au/news/west-ham-vs-nottingham-forest-prediction-and-tips-18-may-2025-9c0c8150-3108-11f0-99a1-6b08911d55eb) even puts the Hammers ahead: In reality too close to call but “West Ham have a 38.1% chance of winning, Nottingham Forest a 36.1% chance of winning, and the draw a 25.8% chance of happening.”. Pundit Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 2-1 West Ham win, such is the loss of momentum for the tricky trees.
Will Graham Potter succumb to sentimentality with last home performances for the ‘departing four’ ? Unlikely. There is a pre-game celebration planned for the presentation of the Hammer of the Year award and to honour departing vice captain Aaron Cresswell- but the mood will certainly be lifted if the Hammers can grab another three points at the end of this season to forget, with thirteenth place still being attainable if other results go their way in the final two games. And those extra two places are worth about seven million quid.
So, nice as it would be to see departing players called on for a cameo and a fond farewell, this season’s poor points tally leaves no room for sentimental crowd farewells. Get the three points and wave goodbye during the planned player circuit after the game – if there’s anyone left in the crowd to wave back.