Softfootball understands that Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are set for a crucial Premier League clash, separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table, both hovering just above the relegation zone and both fully aware that one bad week can undo months of hard work.
Leeds United shared a post about the fixture via their official X account.
As one of the newly promoted sides, Leeds were tipped by many to go straight back down alongside Burnley and Sunderland.
A tight 1-0 win over Everton on opening day suggested otherwise, but consistency quickly slipped away. Two wins and two draws from their next 12 matches dragged them back into the expected fight, and for a while it looked bleak.
Then came December. A surprise 3-1 victory over Chelsea seemed to flip something inside Daniel Farke’s team. Since then, Leeds have lost just twice in 11 league games, grinding out points with stubborn defending and the occasional spark going forward.
Still, last weekend’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal served as a reminder that survival is far from secured. Leeds sit 16th, six points clear of the bottom three, but one win in seven games isn’t exactly reassuring.
Forest’s season has felt even messier. After finishing seventh last term and spending heavily in the summer, expectations were high. Instead, managerial drama defined the campaign. Nuno Espirito Santo departed early, Ange Postecoglou’s short spell unravelled fast, and Sean Dyche became the third permanent boss.
Dyche has at least brought some steel. Ten wins in 23 matches across competitions isn’t spectacular, but it’s steady enough. Two wins and two draws from the last four suggest Forest are stabilising at the right time.
They’re 17th, level on points with Leeds; Elland Road, though, is rarely comfortable for visitors. Leeds have lost just three of 12 at home.
Team News
Leeds remain without Jaka Bijol, Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha due to hamstring and thigh injuries, though all are expected back soon. Farke is likely to stick with the five-at-the-back system despite the Arsenal loss. Sebastiaan Bornauw could return to the defence, while Noah Okafor may be handed a role in attack.
Forests have their own problems. John Victor, Matz Sels, Nicolo Savona, Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi are sidelined, while Neco Williams is suspended. January arrival Stefan Ortega is in line for his debut in goal, with Morato possibly filling in at left-back. Dan Ndoye could also step in on the wing.
Possible Lineups
Leeds United:
Darlow; Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin; Stach, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Nottingham Forest:
Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest enter Friday’s contest knowing the stakes are high. In a tight relegation battle, a single result could significantly influence their Premier League survival hopes.
