Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what could prove to be a season-defining showdown from Elland Road on Friday night, Leeds will welcome Nottingham Forest to Yorkshire.
Leeds
Starting with the hosts, blown away at the hands of leading title contenders Arsenal last weekend as they eventually slumped to a 4-0 drumming at Elland Road, Leeds will be desperately searching for an immediate response here. Opening Friday’s showdown in Yorkshire holding a six-point buffer over the drop zone, Daniel Farke’s men will be more than aware that they face a season-defining battle. Despite registering just a sole Premier League win over the past six weeks, the former Norwich boss has seen his squad gain a reputation for their overall rugged success. Including a last-gasp 1-0 victory against Fulham on January 17th, Leeds have lost just a pair of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to the end of November.
Leeds Team News
Both dealing with respective hamstring injuries, Leeds are once again expected to be without the duo of Jaka Bijol and Wales international Dan James. However, recently returning from his own muscle issue last month, summer recruit and ex-Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff could make a first start since November 23rd.
Despite enduring a real struggle at Elland Road last weekend, veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow should keep his spot between the sticks. While England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin might have failed to find the net in five of his last six outings, the 28-year-old will spearhead Farke’s attack.
Nottingham Forest
As for the visitors, missing out on what they had billed as a golden opportunity last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest are still firmly looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to a shock end at the hands of Championship outfit Wrexham on January 9th, Sean Dyche’s men are desperately searching for some essential stability. Despite being pencilled in as a real underdog contender when they travel to Yorkshire on Friday night, Forest will be excited by their most recent meeting. Landing a thumping 3-1 victory when they welcomed the Lilywhites to town for their reverse battle on November 9th, Dyche’s side will be dreaming of a repeat display this weekend.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Shown a first-half red card against Crystal Palace last weekend, Wales international Nico Williams will miss out through suspension on Friday night. Dealing with a long-term knee injury, attacking talisman Chris Wood is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
While Stefan Ortega might have completed a permanent switch from Manchester City last week, Belgium international Matz Sels should keep his spot between the sticks. Arriving from Napoli on an initial loan deal, Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca should make his Forest debut here.
Leeds vs Nottingham Forest Key Factors to Consider
- When Leeds and Nottingham Forest met for their reverse Premier League battle on November 9th, Friday’s guests claimed a 3-1 victory at the City Ground.
- Despite falling to a 4-0 drumming against Arsenal last week, Leeds have lost just a pair of their previous 12 matchups across all competitions.
- Forest have won just a pair of their previous nine domestic appearances across all formats.
- Leeds have recorded just a sole clean sheet in any of their last 10 consecutive matchups at Elland Road.
- Seven of the last eight meetings between Leeds and Nottingham Forest have finished with over 1.5 goals.
Conclusion
With all eyes falling on Elland Road this weekend, we are set for what could be a season-defining showdown from Yorkshire. Two camps who are desperate to widen their advantage over the drop zone, we look set for a nail-biting battle on Friday night. Although Leeds might have gained plenty of plaudits over the past couple of months, they are searching for some crucial defensive stability on home soil. Hit with a 3-1 loss when they met Forest for their reverse Premier League battle on November 9th, Farke’s side have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their previous 10 matchups in Yorkshire.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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