Paul Merson makes his prediction for Nottingham Forest vs West Ham

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Nottingham Forest head into this weekend’s clash with West Ham United as the form side, and Paul Merson has now made his prediction.

Nuno Espirito Santo doesn’t care who Nottingham Forest play, as he’s made a habit of grinding out results with his tactical brilliance at times this season.

Despite missing a chunk of games, Nuno has been nominated for Manager of the Month, with Forest picking up wins over Crystal Palace and Leicester, as well as a draw against Chelsea.

Chris Wood and Matz Sels are also up for the Player of the Month award, which is just reward for their efforts so far this season.

Things are definitely heading in the right direction for Forest, but next up is a tough clash with West Ham United. The Hammers head into this one fresh off getting Erik ten Hag sacked at Manchester United.

• READ MORE: Ryan Yates shares what he’s desperate to achieve at Nottingham Forest this season

Paul Merson makes his prediction for Nottingham Forest vs West Ham United

Paul Merson went for a draw last time out between Leicester City and Nottingham Forest, and it didn’t exactly turn out that way.

A second-half brace from Chris Wood ended Steve Cooper’s hopes of getting one over on his former side after leaving the City Ground last year.

Now, it’s time for Julen Lopetegui and his West Ham side to travel to the City Ground in what will be the battle of two former Wolverhampton Wanderers bosses.

Interestingly, Merson, in his Sportskeeda column, has opted for a 2-1 win for Nottingham Forest, as he believes that our current form will be too much for the Hammers.

“Nottingham Forest are flying at the moment, but they are a much better team away from home. You’ve got to play West Ham at the right time if you need to win.

“They clicked the other day against Manchester United. You could say they were lucky, but they deserved to win in the end.

“If Forest win this game, they could move a lot closer to safety. They’re already on 16 points and with how things have gone this season, 30 points might just be enough for teams to ensure they stay in the division.

“I have a feeling West Ham are still not firing on all cylinders at the moment and that’s why I’m backing Forest to win the game.”

• READ MORE: Nuno Espirito Santo reacts to Manchester United sacking Erik ten Hag and links to Ruben Amorim

Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood’s roles in Nottingham Forest’s season

Chris Wood has taken the starring role for Nottingham Forest in the current campaign, scoring seven goals in nine games as the go-to man at the pinnacle of the attack.

Taiwo Awoniyi has struggled to influence the game when called upon, which many feel is down to the injury troubles he has encountered.

Lewis McGugan sees the positive in the situation, as he believes that an in-form Chris Wood can take the pressure off Awoniyi and allow him to recover properly.

The January transfer window is around the corner, which will be interesting to see whether Nuno Espirito Santo opts for another striker, as Santiago Gimenez was of interest in the summer.