Mateus Fernandes in a West Ham shirt next to a Nottingham Forest badge
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Sat 30 August 2025 9:40, UK
West Ham will continue their search for a first win of the season with an away trip to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Graham Potter is preparing his Hammers side for a clash against Nuno Espirito Santo on 31 August, over a week after West Ham were smashed 5-1 by Chelsea.
The Blues took all three points at the London Stadium before West Ham then lost against Wolves in the Carabao Cup after once again being in the lead.
As a result, pressure continues to build on the head coach after just 22 matches in charge, with Jose Mourinho emerging as an alternative if Potter is sacked.
This could see the Englishman make a number of changes to his side to face Forest, with summer signing from Southampton, Mateus Fernandes, potentially set to make his debut.
Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes looks set for a move away from Southampton this summer (image: Imago)
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There is bound to be a number of changes for the Irons, having fallen to such a frustrating defeat against Wolves last time out.
This could see Mads Hermansen return in goal in place of Alphonse Areola, who didn’t have his greatest evening at Molineux, despite saving a penalty.
Stat vs Wolves Alphonse Areola
Goals conceded 3
Expected goals faced 2.15
Long pass accuracy (%) 39
Alphonse Areola had a mixed performance vs Wolves
Ahead of the Dane, Max Kilman could come in from the start in place of Jean-Clair Todibo, as Nayef Aguerd and Konstantinos Mavropanos could keep their places in the side.
The wing-back roles could feature one change as Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be hopeful of a return to the squad in place of Kyle Walker-Peters despite a positive performance.
In midfield, Potter could also utilise a change with Fernandes potentially coming in, alongside Tomas Soucek, for his debut in place of Guido Rodriguez after he maintained a zero per cent tackle success rate against Wolves.
West Ham predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
West Ham predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Callum Wilson could start against Nottingham Forest
No matter what Potter does at the moment, the Hammers’ forward line doesn’t seem to be clicking for whatever reason.
This saw the Englishman start without Niclas Fullkrug at Wolves, and he could be set to do so again against Forest, with Callum Wilson potentially set to start.
This could see the Englishman feature alongside Jarrod Bowen, coming off the back of his angry reaction towards the away supporters in the Black Country.
In behind this forward duo, the exit-linked Lucas Paqueta could remain in the squad despite recent interest from Aston Villa, among others.
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