Nottingham Forest fans must be pinching themselves with their side sitting seventh in the Premier League and they will fancy their chances of claiming another three points when inconsistent West Ham United come calling.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side started the season as fourth in the betting for relegation but find themselves in the upper half of the table after losing just once in their first nine matches.
Forest won 3-1 last Friday at Leicester to keep their impressive going and it was also a good night for Slips Tips as yet another bet builder landed.
Santo has a talented squad at his disposal and has worked out his strongest team after a chaotic transfer window last summer left predecessor Steve Cooper with far too many players at his disposal.
West Ham were big spenders this summer and new boss Julen Lopetegui still seems to be searching for the right formula, despite claiming a much-needed win over Manchester United last weekend.
That victory was more by luck than design, though, with the Red Devils missing a host of chances and the Hammers winning thanks to a controversial late penalty awarded by VAR.
How the bookies view it: Flying Forest to keep soaring
With Nottingham Forest in such tremendous form it's no surprise to see them as Betano's 11/10 favourites, which still looks a decent enough price. West Ham are 9/4 outsiders and the draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: Bring home the bacon
Home advantage has been key in this fixture of late, with the last six meetings ending in victories for the hosts. West Ham edged a 3-2 thriller in London last term before Nottingham Forest got their revenge with a 2-0 triumph at the City Ground.
Players to watch: Wood's on fire
Chris Wood only trails Erling Haaland in the Premier League scoring charts this term after a double at Leicester took his tally to seven for the season. The Kiwi striker is 2/1 at Bet365 for another goal here and that looks overpriced if he shakes off a knock to lead the line again.
I flagged up Crysencio Summerville as West Ham's best bet for a goal against Manchester United and he scored the opener after coming off the bench. That should earn the former Leeds winger a start here and he's 7/4 at Bet365 to either score or assist.
Probable line-ups
Forest are hoping Wood is fit to lead the line while skipper Morgan Gibbs-White could also return. If he's fit it leaves Santo with a selection dilemma as Elliot Anderson has excelled in that attacking midfield role in the last few games. Loanee James Ward-Prowse can't face his parent club.
Mohamed Kudus is still suspended for West Ham after his crazy red card at Spurs while striker Niclas Fullkrug isn't fit enough to feature yet.
Nottingham Forest: Sels, Murillo, Moreno, Milenkovic, Aina, Anderson, Hudson-Odoi, Dominguez, Elanga, Yates, Wood.
West Ham United: Fabianski. Todibo, Kilman, Wan-Bissaka, Emerson, Soucek, Paqueta, Alvarez, Bowen, Summerville, Antonio.
Anything else catch the eye?
West Ham's biggest problem this season has been poor defending, with BTTS and over 2.5 goals landing in four of their last five matches. Combining those two bets here pays 11/10 at Bet365 and that looks good value.
The Hammers have collected 10 cards in their last two outings with Forest only picking up five in the same period. Betfred are offering 11/8 on West Ham -10 in the booking points handicap and that looks worth a punt based on those stats.
Hammers full-back Emerson Palmieri should be up against the speedy Anthony Elanga and that makes him a good candidate to go in the book at 21/10 with Bet365.
This English Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and West Ham United will be played on Nov 2, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
