NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Premier League, City Ground, Sunday 31 August 2025, 2pm BST
West Ham United end a month which started in the heat of Atlanta, Georgia with a trip up the M1 to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The home side will compete in European competition for the first time in 29 years this season, having finished seventh in the Premier League in 2024/25, with FA Cup winners Crystal Palace’s administration-based demotion to the UEFA Conference League promoting Forest to the UEFA Europa League League Phase.
Amazingly, five of Forest’s seven pre-season matches finished goalless, and the Reds scored just one goal in total, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are sure to provide a threat on home turf this weekend.
Chris Wood plundered 20 goals last season, while the retention of captain Morgan Gibbs-White means Forest will continue to enjoy the England international’s athleticism, creativity and goal threat.
How to get there…
The address for your sat nav is City Ground, Nottingham, NG2 5FJ. However, there is not much by way of street parking to be had in the streets around the stadium.
From the south, that means you’ll leave the M1 at Junction 24 and follow the signs for Nottingham and then for football traffic.
There are a number of car parks within a mile of the City Ground, including those at Meadow Lane (Notts County’s home ground), Nottingham railway station, County Hall, the Cattle Market, Lady Bay Sports Ground and Victoria Embankment.
For those travelling by train, Nottingham is on the East Midlands Railway line from London St Pancras.
Direct trains leave St Pancras at 09.00, 10.05 and 11.00, arriving at Nottingham just under two hours later. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk along Queens Road, London Road and along the River Trent.
West Ham United fans will be situated in the lower tier of the Bridgford Stand.
After the game, direct trains depart Nottingham for London at 16.10, 16.47, 17.10 and 17.45.
Where to stay…
As a city of over 300,000 inhabitants and a tourist destination, Nottingham has a full range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
The easiest option is probably to stay in the city centre, which is situated around 1.5 miles north of the City Ground, and then either walk or take a bus or taxi to the stadium.
What to do…
Nottingham is about more than just Robin Hood. There are a lot of things to do in and around the city.
If you have some time, visit Old Market Square, The Lace Market, Nottingham Castle (notable for its bronze statues of Robin Hood and his Merry Men), The City of Caves or the National Justice Museum.
If you are staying for the weekend, get yourself a… Robin Hood Network card to get unlimited travel on any bus, tram or train within Greater Nottingham.
If you want to have a drink before the game, there are numerous pubs and bars on the walk from the railway station, with the ‘Olde Trip To Jerusalem’ recommended.
Also, Forest's near-neighbours Notts County have opened The Nest on Iremonger Road, next to Meadow Lane stadium, minutes from the City Ground. With capacity for 1,000 supporters, The Nest is conveniently located along the walking route to the City Ground from Nottingham railway station.
What’s happened there before…
West Ham United’s first visit to the City Ground was on 5 April 1920 and ended in a 2-1 Second Division victory for Nottingham Forest. The Hammers lost on each of their first five trips to West Bridgford before Tommy Yews and Jimmy Ruffell scored in a 2-0 FA Cup second-round win there on 31 January 1925.
West Ham’s biggest margin of victory at the City Ground was a 4-1 Championship win on 28 August 2011, when Winston Reid, Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole were among the scorers.
All three visits since Forest’s return to the Premier League have ended in home wins, with Forest triumphing 1-0 in August 2022, 2-0 in February 2024 and 3-0 in November last year.
