Mateus Fernandes To Start? | 3-4-2-1 West Ham United Predicted Starting Lineup Against Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

West Ham United’s match against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at City Ground should feel like a turning point for them. Two early defeats and a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea have had a big impact on the team’s confidence. On top of this, the recent cup exit adds to the disappointment, while sitting at the bottom of the table intensifies the pressure.

In contrast, Forest have made a great start and are currently in fifth place. The worrying thing is that West Ham have not been able to score a goal here in their last four visits and have suffered defeat every time. This is why it has become very important to get three points so that the team can feel some relief before the international break.

3-4-2-1 West Ham Predicted Starting Lineup Against Nottingham Forest:

Defence:

Graham Potter’s team can play in a 3-4-2-1 system against Forest. Mads Hermansen is believed to be taking on the responsibility of the goalpost. The trio of Jean-Clair Todibo, Maximilian Kilman and Nayef Aguerd can be seen in the centre of the defence. These three will be expected to stop Forest’s fast attack through constant tackles and interceptions.

At the same time, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf can be seen playing the role of wing-back in wide areas. Both these players will be expected to provide strength in defence as well as provide cross and width going forward. However, Aguerd’s fitness will be monitored as he has faced injury problems before.

Midfield:

A mix of both experience and discipline can be seen in the midfield. Tomáš Soucek and James Ward-Prowse will play as a double pivot, and their job will be to disrupt Forest’s movement. Along with this, both of them will work to move the ball forward and coordinate with each other.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on August 26, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Lucas Paquetá and Mateus Fernandes are likely to be seen in creative roles ahead of them. Both players will be expected to serve Bowen with their passing and agility. The pair can be crucial in creating chances, but they will also need to be cautious in defensive duties to prevent Forest from finding a way through the middle.

Attack:

Jarrod Bowen can come in as the only striker in the forward line. He has not been scoring goals in recent times and will now be looking to end his drought. Paquetá and Fernandes will play behind him as support, and this trio will be responsible for putting pressure on Forest’s backline.

Bowen’s presence in the box is always dangerous, so the supply from midfield could be decisive this time. The team need to capitalise on every opportunity in this match as they face a Forest team that are constantly full of confidence at home.

West Ham Predicted Starting Lineup Against Nottingham Forest