West Ham United will be looking to recover from their poor start to the season when they travel to face Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The Hammers have lost both of their opening games, scoring once and conceding eight goals. It leaves them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
West Ham predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest
West Ham (3-4-1-2): Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Diouf; Paqueta; Bowen, Fullkrug.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, have taken four points from their opening two matches, winning their first home match. This game kicks off at 2pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League.
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West Ham team news vs Nottingham Forest
Mads Hermansen has had a tough start to life between the sticks for West Ham. The new goalkeeper particularly struggled with set-pieces in the defeat to Chelsea last weekend. But he is set to continue in goal, ahead of Alphonse Areola.
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from Southampton to bolster the midfield. While the signing was done in time for Fernandes to play, he is unlikely to feature — and almost definitely not from the start.
But there is still a question about the West Ham midfield. Tomas Soucek started alongside James Ward-Prowse against Chelsea, replacing Guido Rodriguez. The Argentinian struggled in the midfield against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek, so is unlikely to win his spot back.
We’re unlikely to see any changes to the rest of the team too. Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen will continue to lead the line, the former having been in the wars at the London Stadium last week.
Crysencio Summerville and George Earthy won’t be back until after the international break, while Luis Guilherme is also out injured.
A midfield revamp?
Although he was relegated with Southampton last season, Mateus Fernandes looked promising. He was Saints’ best performer in the Premier League, playing across the midfield.
At West Ham, Fernandes would have a more stable role, as one of the double pivot. The Portuguese midfielder averaged 2.8 tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, a tally only betted by Rodriguez (2.9) among his new teammates.
Fernandes also trailed Rodriguez for ground duel success at 53.51% to 55.43%, while also making 0.9 interceptions per 90 to the Argentinian’s 1.1. But other than that, Fernandes is a big improvement.
He looked strong on the ball, creating 1.1 chances per 90 in the league last season and completing 1.6 take-ons. Fernandes did also average 5.6 ball recoveries per 90, leading the now-West Ham quartet. Little gains across the board will be a big improvement for West Ham. And they need it