Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | Premier League 2026-27

Leeds United registered a win against Nottingham Forest in their last fixture

The opening matchday of the new English Premier League 2026-27 season will take us to the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest will host Leeds United in an exciting clash. The hosts finished 16th on the table in the 2025-26 season and avoided relegation on fine margins. After such a disappointing campaign, the club appointed Oliver Glasner as manager and acquired talented players like Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager from Sporting CP and RB Leipzig, respectively.

Leeds United, on the other hand, also had an underwhelming campaign last season as they finished in the bottom half in 14th place with just 47 points to their name. Under the tutelage of Daniel Farke, Leeds United have established a proactive playstyle, and to suit this, they have secured the signings of James Trafford, Tarik Muharemović and Nico Elvedi.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nottinghamshire, England
• Stadium: City Ground
• Date and Kickoff time: August 22, Saturday – 07:30 pm IST/02:00 pm GMT/10:00 am ET/07:00 am PT
• Referee: Robert Jones
• Assistant referees: Nick Greenhalgh & Alistair Nelson
• Fourth official: Gavin Ward
• Video assistant referee: Craig Pawson
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Nottingham Forest(in all competitions): W-W-L-L-L

Leeds United  (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch out for:

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Murillo has been exceptionally consistent for Nottingham in the last few years. Despite his young age, he is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football. Saka has all the qualities to be the best player in the world as he is creative, explosive, and highly technical as well.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds United last season and had a fantastic debut season with Leeds United. He scored 14 goals in the league alone and contributed massively to all the positive results the club accumulated. He is a strong physical presence in the front three who holds off his marker and creates space for his teammates to exploit.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 3-1 win for Leeds United.
• Nottingham Forest won 2-0 against Brest in their last game.
• Leeds United won 4-0 against Augsburg in their last game.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Nottingham Forest to win – 1.91 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.66 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Goals over 2.5 – 1.85 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

The home side will have their entire squad available for selection.

Leeds United, on the other hand, will be without the likes of Gabriel Gudmundsson, Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto.

Head-to-Head:

Total Matches: 90

Nottingham Forest won: 33

Leeds United won: 31

Draws: 26

Predicted Lineups:

Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)

Sels (GK); Diomande, Murillo, Milenkovic; Aina, Sangare, Schlager, Williams; Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus

Leeds United (3-4-2-1)

Trafford (GK); Bijol, Rodon, Muharemovic; Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Justin; Aaronson, Wilson; Calvert-Lewin

Match Prediction:

The game between Nottingham and Leeds United is expected to be close and will be decided by very fine margins. However, with their home advantage and a slightly better record historically, Nottingham Forest will be our pick to emerge victorious in this game.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leeds United

Telecast Details:

India: Star Sports Network/JioHotstar

UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports

USA: NBA

Nigeria: SuperSport

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