Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Leeds United and Nottingham Forest will likely draw 2-2 as both teams sit level on 26 points in the Premier League relegation battle, with Leeds’ strong home record at Elland Road balancing Forest’s improved form under Sean Dyche.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Match Week | 25 |
| Date | Friday, February 7, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 8:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Elland Road, Leeds |
| Current Form | Leeds: DDLWDL / Forest: LLWDWD |
| League Position | Leeds: 16th (26 points) / Forest: 17th (26 points) |
Key Facts
- Leeds United and Nottingham Forest sit level on 26 points, separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table.
- Both teams maintain a six-point cushion above the relegation zone heading into this crucial encounter.
- Leeds have won just one of their last seven Premier League fixtures despite their strong home record.
- Nottingham Forest defeated Leeds 3-1 in the reverse fixture at the City Ground in November 2025.
- Daniel Farke’s Leeds have lost only three matches at Elland Road this season from 12 home games.
- Sean Dyche has recorded 10 wins from 23 matches since taking charge of Nottingham Forest.
- Leeds suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in their previous league outing.
- Forest remain unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions.
On This Page
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Preview and Prediction
Leeds suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last outing. The result exposed defensive frailties against top-quality opposition.
Farke must restore confidence and organization before facing Forest.
Forest earned a credible 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in their previous league match.
The result extended their unbeaten run to four games across all competitions. Dyche’s tactical adjustments have improved defensive stability and attacking efficiency.
Both managers face selection dilemmas due to injuries and suspensions. The team that adapts best to these challenges gains a crucial advantage in this relegation battle.
Team News and Injuries
Leeds United Injury List
Daniel Farke faces several selection concerns ahead of this critical fixture.
Jaka Bijol remains sidelined with a hamstring problem that has kept him out for several weeks.
The defender should return to training within the next fortnight. Daniel James continues his recovery from a hamstring injury and will miss this encounter.
Lukas Nmecha battles a thigh issue that rules him out of contention, though all three players are expected back in the coming weeks.
Nottingham Forest Injury List
Sean Dyche confronts a more extensive injury crisis.
John Victor faces an extended absence due to a knee injury.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels remains unavailable with a muscle problem. Nicolo Savona continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury.
Chris Wood misses out with a knee complaint.
Callum Hudson-Odoi sits out with a shoulder injury.
Neco Williams serves a suspension following his red card in the previous match.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Williams’ suspension creates a significant gap in Forest’s defensive structure.
The Welsh international has provided attacking width and defensive solidity throughout the campaign.
His absence forces tactical adjustments that could expose vulnerabilities down the left flank.
Hudson-Odoi’s unavailability removes Forest’s primary creative outlet. The winger has contributed crucial goals and assists during the season.
His pace and dribbling ability have troubled opposition defenses consistently.
Wood’s absence strips Forest of their main goal threat.
The striker has led the line effectively and his physical presence causes problems for defenders. Forest must find alternative attacking solutions without their target man.
Predicted Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Lineups and Formations
Leeds United (5-3-2)
Goalkeeper: Darlow
Defenders: Bogle, Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk, Justin
Midfielders: Ampadu, Gruev, Stach
Forwards: Okafor, Calvert-Lewin
Farke will likely maintain his five-defender system that has provided stability in recent months.
Sebastiaan Bornauw should return to the back three, pushing James Justin to left wing-back. Noah Okafor may earn a starting position following the Arsenal defeat.
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Ortega
Defenders: Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato
Midfielders: Sangare, Anderson
Attacking Midfielders: Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez
Forward: Jesus
Stefan Ortega could make his debut between the posts after his January arrival. Morato steps in at left-back to cover Williams’ suspension.
Dan Ndoye replaces Hudson-Odoi on the right wing. Igor Jesus leads the attack in Wood’s absence.
Tactical Analysis
Leeds employ a defensive approach built around their five-man backline.
The system prioritizes solidity and allows wing-backs to push forward when opportunities arise.
Ampadu and Gruev provide defensive screening while Stach offers creativity from deeper positions.
The formation suits Leeds’ counter-attacking style and helps protect against stronger opponents.
Forest operate with a more traditional 4-2-3-1 structure under Dyche. The double pivot of Sangare and Anderson provides defensive balance.
Morgan Gibbs-White operates as the creative hub, linking midfield and attack. The system relies on quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind opposition defenses.
The tactical battle centers on Leeds’ defensive organization against Forest’s attacking fluidity. Leeds will attempt to frustrate Forest through compact defending and limited space between lines.
Forest must break down a stubborn defensive block while managing their own defensive responsibilities.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Forest claimed a convincing 3-1 victory when these teams met in November 2025. Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Elliot Anderson scored in that dominant display.
The result highlighted Forest’s superiority in key moments and clinical finishing.
Historical data shows Forest have struggled at Elland Road. Leeds remain unbeaten in their last five home matches against Forest, with three draws and two wins. The last Forest victory at Elland Road came several years ago.
Recent encounters between these sides have produced competitive matches. Four of the last six meetings have ended in draws or narrow victories.
Both teams understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, creating tactical chess matches.
Current Standings
Leeds United occupy 16th position with 26 points from 24 matches. Their record shows six wins, eight draws, and 10 losses.
They have scored 31 goals while conceding 42, resulting in a negative goal difference of -11.
Nottingham Forest sit 17th with an identical 26 points from 24 games. Their record includes seven wins, five draws, and 12 defeats.
Forest have scored 24 goals and conceded 35, giving them a goal difference of -11.
West Ham United lurk in 18th place with 20 points, six behind both Leeds and Forest. The relegation battle remains tight with several teams within striking distance of safety.
Key Players to Watch
Morgan Gibbs-White controls Forest’s attacking rhythm. The midfielder scored in the reverse fixture and consistently creates chances for teammates. His vision and passing range make him Forest’s most influential player. Gibbs-White’s ability to find pockets of space between lines could unlock Leeds’ defense.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads Leeds’ attacking efforts. The striker brings Premier League experience and aerial prowess. His movement and finishing ability provide Leeds with a focal point. Calvert-Lewin must convert limited chances to secure points for his team.
Igor Jesus shoulders increased responsibility in Wood’s absence. The Brazilian forward must adapt quickly to the physical demands of English football. His technical skills and movement could trouble Leeds’ defense if given space.
Where to Watch Live
Fans in India can watch the match live on JioHotstar. The broadcaster holds exclusive rights for Premier League coverage in the region.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can access the game through Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with streaming available via Sky Go and NOW TV.
International coverage spans multiple continents. DAZN provides streaming in Canada, Spain, and Portugal. SuperSport broadcasts across African nations.
Viaplay serves Scandinavian countries. beIN Sports covers Middle Eastern and North African territories.
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Prediction
This encounter promises a tightly contested affair between two evenly matched sides.
Leeds’ home advantage and defensive organization provide a solid foundation.
Forest’s recent form and superior attacking quality in the reverse fixture suggest they can cause problems.
Both teams desperately need points to maintain their cushion above the relegation zone.
The pressure creates a cautious atmosphere where mistakes prove costly. Leeds will defend deep and look for counter-attacking opportunities.
Forest must show patience and composure to break down organized resistance.
The match likely ends in a draw. Leeds’ home record suggests they avoid defeat, while Forest’s improved form under Dyche indicates they can secure a point.
A 2-2 scoreline reflects both teams’ attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. The result keeps both sides in their current positions while maintaining the gap to the relegation zone.
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FAQs
Where To Watch Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Live?
Fans can watch Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event in the UK, while Indian viewers can stream the match on JioHotstar, and international audiences can access coverage through DAZN Canada, SuperSport Africa, and Viaplay in Scandinavian countries.
Who Will Win Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest will likely share the points in a draw because both teams occupy identical positions with 26 points, Leeds have lost only three home games this season at Elland Road, and Forest’s recent unbeaten run of four matches suggests they can avoid defeat in this crucial relegation battle.
What is Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Match Kick-Off Time?
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest kicks off at 8:00 PM GMT on Friday, February 7, 2026, which converts to 1:30 AM IST on Saturday, February 8, 2026, for viewers in India during matchweek 25 of the Premier League season.
Are There Any Injuries in Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Leeds United miss Jaka Bijol, Daniel James, and Lukas Nmecha due to hamstring and thigh injuries, while Nottingham Forest face a more severe injury crisis with Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Matz Sels, John Victor, and Nicolo Savona unavailable, plus Neco Williams serves a suspension after his red card.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Match?
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest will draw 2-2 as Leeds’ defensive vulnerabilities shown in their 4-0 Arsenal defeat meet Forest’s attacking quality demonstrated in their 3-1 reverse fixture victory, with both teams’ desperate need for points creating an open and competitive encounter.
Nottingham Forest Standing with Points?
Nottingham Forest sit in 17th position with 26 points from 24 Premier League matches, having recorded seven wins, five draws, and 12 defeats with 24 goals scored and 35 conceded, maintaining a six-point cushion above the relegation zone with a goal difference of -11.
Leeds United Standing With Points?
Leeds United occupy 16th position with 26 points from 24 Premier League matches, having achieved six wins, eight draws, and 10 losses with 31 goals scored and 42 conceded, staying six points clear of the relegation zone with a goal difference of -11 that places them above Forest on goal difference alone.