**West Ham United vs Nottingham Forest**
West Ham manager Graham Potter was reminded by journalists in his pre-match press conference that a strong finish to the season—with two wins—could boost his summer [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) budget.
While that’s technically true, it’s one of the few things giving any real weight to the Hammers’ final home fixture of the season against Nottingham Forest.
In reality, Sunday’s clash feels more like an occasion for celebrating careers and saying goodbye to long-serving players like Aaron Cresswell, Vladimír Coufal, and Łukasz Fabiański, who are all set to depart.
And they won’t be the only ones. The match could very well mark the final appearance at the London Stadium for Danny Ings, [Lucas Paquetá](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lucas-paqueta-bio/), Mohammed Kudus, Edson Álvarez, Emerson, and potentially others.
It promises to be an odd atmosphere in Stratford—certainly not one filled with pressure, at least not for **West Ham**.
However, Nottingham Forest arrive with plenty in what is going to be a humdinger. Nuno Espírito Santo’s team are chasing European qualification, and with Chelsea looming in their final fixture, this game against West Ham is firmly in the ‘must-win’ category.
It’s an intriguing contrast: one side under intense pressure, the other in party mode, celebrating some truly influential players who’ve served the club with heart and loyalty.
Maybe I’m being a bit optimistic, but sport has a funny way of turning narratives on their head. West Ham’s win at Old Trafford seemed to lift a weight off Graham Potter, who looked far more relaxed in front of the press yesterday.
That change in tone has reflected across the club, with a more relaxed and upbeat atmosphere around Rush Green.
Forest might need the win more—but I’m not so sure they’ll get it.