Key Highlights
- Nottingham Forest unbeaten in four matches with potential for double over Leeds.
- Leeds United looking to secure their Premier League survival with home advantage.
- Daniel Farke confident about his team’s prospects despite transfer window concerns.
- Sean Dyche acknowledges the importance of the match but remains optimistic.
The Battle for Survival
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United square off in a crucial clash at Elland Road, with both sides desperate to maintain their Premier League status. This is not just any ordinary match; it’s a high-stakes encounter where the loser could face a perilous descent into the Championship. The teams are currently level on points, six clear of the relegation zone, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Forest’s Form
Nottingham Forest have been on a remarkable run, unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches, including consecutive away victories. This resurgence has brought them into contention for a league double over Leeds—a feat they haven’t achieved since 1995-96. The team’s form is a testament to the coaching and resilience of head coach Sean Dyche.
The key player in this turnaround is goalkeeper Matz Sels, who won the Golden Glove last season with 13 clean sheets, helping Forest secure seventh place. However, his absence due to injury could be a significant blow, as Stefan Ortega, who hasn’t played in the Premier League since April 2025, steps into the goalkeeping role.
Leeds United’s Concerns
Leeds United, on the other hand, are looking to bolster their position with a solid home performance. Manager Daniel Farke believes 12 more points from his remaining 14 games will secure their survival. However, fans have voiced concerns over the club’s lack of new signings in January, with only one addition, Facundo Buonanotte on loan.
The team is currently two places above the relegation zone and six points ahead of West Ham, who are battling for safety.
Farke’s confidence comes from his players’ recent form, which has seen them secure 10 out of their last 12 games. Despite the January transfer window, Farke remains optimistic, stating that one point per game is sufficient to stay in the Premier League.
Match Lineups
The starting lineups are clear. Leeds XI: Darlow, Bogle, Gudmundsson, Rodon, Struijk, Justin, Ampadu, Gruev, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin Subs: Perri, Bijol, Bornauw, Tanaka, Longstaff, Piroe, James, Gnonto, Nmecha.
Nottingham Forest XI: Ortega, Morato, Abbott, Milenkovic, Aina, Sangare, Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus Subs: Gunn, Yates, McAtee, Awoniyi, Ndoye, Lucca, Hutchinson, Jair Cunha, Netz.
Match Kick-off
Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT. It’s a must-win scenario for both teams as they fight to secure their futures in the Premier League. The match report will follow live updates and analysis from BBC Sport.
Stay tuned for all the action.
Will Forest complete the league double over Leeds, or will Farke’s side hold on to stay safe? Only time—and the ball—will tell. This is a game that could define their seasons, so let’s get ready for what promises to be an intense and pivotal encounter.