Football Prediction | Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United | Premier League 2025/26 | Nov 08 – Can Forest Finally End Their Winless Streak?

The City Ground will be buzzing on November 9th as Nottingham Forest host Leeds United in what promises to be an entertaining Premier League encounter. Both sides are evenly matched, each pushing for valuable points in the mid-table battle. Nottingham Forest will look to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking creativity, while Leeds aim to maintain their recent momentum. Expect a match full of energy, intensity, and tactical intrigue.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Form Guide

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have shown flashes of attacking brilliance this season, driven by the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White and the directness of Hudson-Odoi. Igor Jesus has been reliable in leading the line, supported by an energetic midfield. Defensively, Murillo and Milenkovic provide stability, though Forest have occasionally struggled to maintain clean sheets. Their form at home has been solid, making them tough opposition at The City Ground.

Leeds United

Leeds United enter this match in decent form, combining a compact defense with sharp counterattacking play. Noa Okafor’s pace and finishing have made him their key attacking outlet. In midfield, Ampadu and Longstaff control possession efficiently while contributing defensively. Leeds’ tactical discipline and ability to exploit spaces on the break make them dangerous opponents away from home.

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Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Key Battles:

Gibbs-White vs Okafor

Morgan Gibbs-White has been Nottingham Forest’s creative engine and top scorer, regularly influencing games with goals and assists. His vision and set-piece delivery can unlock even the most organized defenses. Okafor, meanwhile, leads Leeds’ attack with clinical precision and composure inside the box. This clash between two attacking stars could decide the outcome, as both possess the quality to change the game in an instant.

Ndoye vs Longstaff

Ndoye’s tireless runs and attacking instincts have added a new dimension to Forest’s forward play. His ability to drift into pockets of space creates opportunities for teammates and himself. Longstaff, on the other hand, combines work rate with technical quality, linking up play and contributing with key assists from midfield. Their battle for dominance in the center of the pitch could shape the rhythm of the game.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Tactical Outlook

Forest will likely employ a balanced 4-2-3-1 system, emphasizing ball progression through Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi. Luiz’s absence will force them to rely more on transition play and width from the flanks. The backline of Murillo and Milenkovic will be tasked with containing Leeds’ fast breaks. Expect Forest to control possession but remain cautious against Leeds’ quick counters.

Leeds will rely on their structured midfield and fast offensive transitions. Ampadu’s defensive presence allows Longstaff and Aaronson to move forward and support Okafor. The defensive trio of Rodon, Bijol, and Bogle provides resilience and width, while Gudmundsson adds creativity on the flanks. Leeds will likely look to absorb pressure and hit Forest on the counter with direct passing and pace.

Head-to-Head Encounters

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have shared a competitive rivalry over the years, with close contests often defining their meetings. Matches between the two sides are typically hard-fought and low-scoring. Forest have enjoyed home dominance recently, but Leeds’ away form suggests another tight affair. Both teams will enter this game believing they can claim all three points.

Injury News and Suspensions

Nottingham Forest

Forest are dealing with several injury setbacks ahead of the match. Oleksandr Zinchenko is sidelined with a strain injury until mid-November, while Douglas Luiz is ruled out with a hamstring problem. Angus Gunn’s long-term cruciate ligament injury leaves Sels as the first-choice goalkeeper. Additionally, Aina and Bakwa are both unavailable due to muscle and hamstring issues, limiting rotation options.

Leeds United

Leeds United have a relatively fit squad but face a concern over Wilfried Gnonto, who is doubtful with a calf injury. His absence would slightly reduce Leeds’ attacking depth from the bench. Despite this, the core lineup remains intact and ready for the challenge. Managerial consistency and squad balance will give Leeds confidence heading into this fixture.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Possible Playing Squad

Nottingham Forest 

Sels (GK), Williams, Murillo, Milenkovic, Savona, Anderson, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Luiz, Igor Jesus

Leeds United 

Perri (GK), Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Longstaff, Tanaka, Aaronson, Okafor, Calvert-Lewin

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

Both teams are in search of consistency, with Nottingham Forest likely to control possession while Leeds threaten on the counter. It promises to be a competitive battle decided by midfield control and clinical finishing.

Score Prediction

Nottingham Forest 1–1 Leeds United – Gibbs-White and Okafor to find the net in a balanced encounter where neither side does quite enough to claim victory.