Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Preview, Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Nottingham Forest begin a new era under Oliver Glasner on Saturday afternoon when they welcome Leeds United to the City Ground for their opening fixture of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The Tricky Trees finished 16th last season and have changed manager again, while Leeds are entering their second successive campaign in the top flight after securing a 14th-place finish last term.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Match preview
Forest endured a turbulent 2025-26 campaign, going through four managers before Vitor Pereira guided them away from the relegation fight and into 16th place. Glasner has now taken over after a highly successful spell at Crystal Palace and will attempt to bring greater stability to the City Ground. Forest have added Ousmane Diomande and Xaver Schlager so far this summer, with Glasner still expecting further additions before the transfer window closes.
Forest’s pre-season produced five victories, one draw and three defeats. They also have a strong home record against Leeds, winning their last four league meetings at the City Ground and remaining unbeaten in their last 14 top-flight home matches against the Whites. However, the long-standing record will count for little if Glasner’s new tactical system takes time to settle.
Leeds finished 14th last season after returning to the Premier League and ended the campaign strongly under Daniel Farke. A switch to a back-three system in December helped produce eight wins, 12 draws and only five defeats from their final 25 league matches. They have since strengthened with more than ยฃ80m of investment, including the club-record signing of goalkeeper James Trafford.
Farke’s side have also enjoyed an excellent pre-season, beating Sunderland, Liverpool and RB Leipzig while drawing with Manchester United before thrashing Augsburg 4-0. Leeds have lost only two of their last 18 opening Premier League fixtures, although their away record remains a concern after collecting just 15 points on the road last season.
The two sides split their league meetings last season, with Forest winning 3-1 at the City Ground before Leeds returned the favour with the same scoreline at Elland Road.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Team News
Forest will be without captain Ryan Yates, who has an unspecified injury, while Nicolรฒ Savona remains sidelined with a knee problem. Glasner is expected to deploy his preferred three-man defence, with ยฃ34m signing Ousmane Diomande in line for his competitive debut alongside Nikola Milenkoviฤ and Murillo. Ola Aina and Neco Williams should operate as wing-backs, while Xaver Schlager is expected to make his full debut in midfield.
Morgan Gibbs-White should operate behind Chris Wood, with Igor Jesus the leading candidate to join the England international in the attacking midfield positions. Forest’s recent signing of Schlager adds another option in central midfield following Elliot Anderson’s departure.
Leeds will be without Gabriel Gudmundsson, Willy Gnonto and goalkeeper Lucas Perri, all of whom are sidelined with thigh injuries. Ilia Gruev is doubtful with a knee problem. James Trafford is expected to make his competitive debut following his club-record move from Manchester City.
Tarik Muharemoviฤ is also expected to make his full debut after impressing during pre-season, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin should lead the attack. New signing Harry Wilson and Brendan Aaronson are expected to play in the advanced positions behind the former Everton striker.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest: Matz Sels; Ousmane Diomande, Nikola Milenkoviฤ, Murillo; Ola Aina, Xaver Schlager, Ibrahim Sangarรฉ, Neco Williams; Morgan Gibbs-White, Igor Jesus; Chris Wood.
Leeds United: James Trafford; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemoviฤ; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Sam Byram; Harry Wilson, Brenden Aaronson; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Kick-off: 3pm BST / 7:30pm IST
Venue: City Ground, Nottingham
UK TV: Not televised live
India: JioHotstar
The match falls within the traditional Saturday 3pm broadcasting blackout in the UK. Indian viewers can watch the fixture live on JioHotstar.
What we say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds United
Forest’s home record against Leeds makes them difficult to dismiss, and the City Ground should provide Glasner with a strong atmosphere for his first competitive match in charge.
However, Leeds appear further along in their preparations. Farke has retained the core of the side that finished last season strongly, while the addition of Trafford and other summer recruits has increased the competition for places. Their pre-season results also suggest that they are capable of carrying significant attacking momentum into the new campaign.
Forest should have enough quality to threaten, particularly through Gibbs-White and Wood, but Leeds’ greater continuity could help them cope with the hosts’ new system. Neither side has quite enough certainty to justify a confident victory prediction.
Our prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds United.
Read more –ย Ipswich Town vs Sunderland: Preview, Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Follow Footy Times on Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Discover more from Footy Times
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.