Nuno Espirito Santo alongside Vitor Pereira
Credit: Imago
Scott Mason
Fri 27 February 2026 7:40, UK
Nottingham Forest fans are celebrating beating Fenerbahce in the Europa League, but West Ham will be doing the same amid the relegation fight.
Right now, it looks like one of the Hammers, Forest or Tottenham will be playing their football in the Championship next season, as the fight at the bottom of the table is separated by just four points.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are currently situated in the drop zone, a position they will be hoping to be out of by the end of the weekend.
That will be a tough task as the E20 outfit travel to Anfield to face the reigning champions, Liverpool, with Forest away to Brighton.
Nuno’s record against the Reds does not bode well; however, they may end up being helped for the latter result.
Nuno's Premier League loses vs Liverpool.
Credit: Breaking Media
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Why West Ham fans should be cheering on Nottingham Forest in Europa League
It may sound odd to suggest supporting another Premier League team in European action, but for West Ham, keeping Vitor Pereira’s side in the Europa League for as long as possible is ideal.
The Thursday to Sunday schedule is gruelling, and the Tricky Trees seem to be prioritising both Europe and the Premier League.
Pereira had the luxury of resting most of his players in the second leg against Fenerbahce, but in the first leg, he went extremely strong.
West Ham in Premier League standings
Credit: Imago, Breaking Media
Then when they faced Liverpool, he started the same side that beat the Turkish club 3-0, making zero changes.
The Garibaldi could face issues with rotation if they continue to put focus on the European competition, and for the London Stadium club, that is the perfect outcome.
Having their priorities split will mean Nottingham Forest’s players get less rest between games, and fatigue could start to creep in.
How do Nottingham Forest perform after Europa League fixtures
If there was ever any proof that the Europa League has been a hindrance to Nottingham Forest’s league form, then the following statistics certainly show that to be the case.
In 66 per cent of their Premier League games which follow competing in the Europa League, Forest have dropped points.
In fact, out of a total maximum tally of 27 points, they have only taken away 10 points.
Europa League game Premier League game Premier League points dropped?
Real Betis – 24 September 2025 Sunderland – 27 September 2025 Yes – 1-0 loss
FC Midtjylland – 2 October 2025 Newcastle – 5 October 2025 Yes – 2-0 loss
Porto – 23 October 2025 Bournemouth – 26 October 2025 Yes – 2-0 loss
Sturm Graz – 6 November 2025 Leeds – 9 November 2025 No – 3-1 win
Malmo – 27 November 2025 Brighton – 30 November 2025 Yes – 2-0 loss
Utrecht – 11 December 2025 Tottenham – 14 December 2025 No – 3-0 win
Brage – 22 January 2026 Brentford – 25 January 2026 No – 2-0 win
Ferencvaros – 29 January 2026 Crystal Palace – 1 February 2026 Yes – 1-1 draw
Fenerbahce – 19 February 2026 Liverpool – 22 February 2026 Yes – 1-0 loss
Of course, with that in mind, Hammers fans will want Nottingham Forest to remain in the Europa League for as long as possible, as it is clear they struggled with the lack of rest between games.
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