The Premier League weekend kicks off at Elland Road on Friday night as Leeds United faces Nottingham Forest in an important match for mid-table safety.
Both teams are currently on 26 points, trying to create a nine-point gap from the relegation zone as the season approaches its final stages. Daniel Farke sees this match as a vital chance to leverage Leeds’ strong performance in night games. The Whites have won all four of their home evening matches this season.
On the other hand, Sean Dyche’s Forest comes in on a two-win, two-draw unbeaten streak. They are aiming for their first league double over Leeds since the 1995–96 season. Only goal difference separates the two sides, adding to the intensity of the match.
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Friday, 6 February 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- VAR: Craig Pawson
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 3–1 Leeds (9 Nov 2025), Premier League
Team News
Leeds United
Daniel Farke faces some challenges with player availability. Midfielder Anton Stach (hip) and forward Lukas Nmecha (hamstring) will not participate. However, the team welcomes back Jaka Bijol, James Justin, and winger Daniel James. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the attack, having scored nine goals so far this season. A goal tonight would make him the first English player to reach ten goals in his debut season at Leeds since Matt Smith in 2014.
Nottingham Forest
Forest is dealing with injuries after a tough draw with Crystal Palace. Neco Williams is suspended due to a red card, and Matz Sels (hip), Callum Hudson-Odoi (shoulder), and Nicolo Savona (knee) are all unavailable. January signing Stefan Ortega is expected to start in goal. Igor Jesus will likely lead the attack, supported by Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been involved in four goals in his last five games.
Form
Leeds United
Leeds is hoping to regain their home form after a heavy 4–0 defeat to Arsenal ended an unbeaten streak at Elland Road. They have only won one of their last seven league matches but have been tough to beat at home against non-top-three teams, with just one loss in 10 such matches (W5 D4). Six of their last ten league games have ended in draws, indicating a pattern of closely contested matches.
Nottingham Forest
Sean Dyche has improved the team’s performance, with Forest currently on a four-match unbeaten streak (W2 D2) in the Premier League. They have been strong on the road, winning four of their last five matches away from home. However, finishing remains a concern, as Forest has the second-lowest shot conversion rate in the league this season at 8.5%. Defensively, they aim for a third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League, a feat not achieved in over a year.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds United Predicted XI: Darlow; Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin; Stach, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI: Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
How to Watch Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage begins at 19:30 GMT ahead of the 20:00 kick-off.
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