Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Nottingham Forest’s trip to West Ham, in what could be a crucial game for both sides.
The Reds travel to the London Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick off), as they look to build on what was a morale-boosting point against Man City in their last outing. Chris Wood’s 84th minute goal saw the City Ground go wild as Forest came from behind to take something from the game.
They now face a team at the different end of the table, with West Ham in the final relegation place following their 2-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday. Forest sit in 13th place in the table, five points above them.
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The club’s position means that manager David Moyes is under increasing pressure, with Sutton predicting that the clash against Forest could have a big say on his future.
“West Ham manager David Moyes has been given the full support of the club's board this week, but his future still looks far from secure,” he told BBC Sport. “I am a fan of Moyes and it's great to see managers get that kind of backing and be given more time, but ultimately it is fan power which will decide whether he stays or not and this has become a must-win game for him.
“If West Ham don't beat Nottingham Forest on Saturday then I fear things will turn ugly at London Stadium and the home crowd will be calling for Moyes to go.
“Moyes is partly a victim of raising expectations by finishing seventh last season, and I hope he does win this game because he deserves to keep his job, but his side are definitely underachieving this time around despite some expensive signings last summer.”
The pundit also has a warning from Forest, pointing to their away record in the league so far this season.
“Forest are five points and five places above the Hammers and far from safe themselves,” Sutton added. “They also have the worst away record in the top flight this season, with one win and only six points in total from 11 games.
“Steve Cooper's side got away with one, somehow, by nicking a draw against Manchester City last weekend - but I don't look at Forest and think many teams are going to struggle to break them down.
“If things are going to change (for West Ham) on Saturday a lot will depend on Danny Ings, who will be fit to start against Forest, but it's still hard to make a case for the Hammers to get the win Moyes needs, and I don't know whether a draw will be enough for him.”
Chris Sutton’s prediction : West Ham 1-1 Nottingham Forest
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