Leeds vs Nottingham Forest Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Friday, 6 February

Leeds United will host Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on Friday, 6 February, in what promises to be an intriguing Premier League clash. This match is not only a battle for points but also an opportunity for both teams to assert their position in the league. With home advantage, Leeds United will be looking to capitalise on their familiarity with Elland Road to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will aim to upset the hosts and climb the league table.

This Premier League encounter between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest is significant as both teams are striving to improve their standings. Leeds United, known for their energetic style, will need to be at their best against a Nottingham Forest side that has shown resilience this season. As we delve into the betting tips, it is clear that this match could have a substantial impact on the momentum of both teams moving forward in the league.

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the second half: yes	3.55

Given the attacking tendencies of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, particularly in the second half, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams To Score in the second half. Both teams are known to push forward aggressively after the break, often leaving gaps that can be exploited.

• Leeds United typically increase their attacking intensity in the second half, creating more scoring opportunities.
• Nottingham Forest also ramp up their offensive play after halftime, often catching opponents on the counter.
• Recent encounters between these sides have seen a flurry of goals scored in the latter stages of the game.

Betting Odds

Leeds United are stepping onto the pitch at Elland Road as slight favourites in this Premier League showdown, with betting odds of 2.21. Nottingham Forest, however, are not far behind at 3.34, suggesting a competitive match is on the cards. A draw is priced at 3.28, indicating that bookmakers anticipate a closely fought contest.

Betting Tip	Odds
Leeds United to win	2.21
Draw	3.28
Nottingham Forest to win	3.34

For those looking to place a bet, keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent fixtures. The odds for both teams to score might also be worth considering, given their recent form.

Leeds United: Analysis & Recent Performance

Leeds United’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches across all competitions. They managed a notable 1-0 victory against Fulham and a commendable 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup. However, their performance against Arsenal was particularly concerning, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Leeds United	Arsenal	0 – 4 (Loss)	Premier League	31 Jan 2026
Everton	Leeds United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	26 Jan 2026
Leeds United	Fulham	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Derby County	Leeds United	1 – 3 (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Newcastle United	Leeds United	4 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• LDWWL

Leeds United have averaged 1.60 goals per game over their last five matches, while conceding 2.00 goals per game, indicating a tendency towards high-scoring encounters where both teams find the net. With only one clean sheet in this period, defensive solidity remains an area for improvement. At home, they have shown slightly better resilience, with a win ratio of 40% in their last five home fixtures. Currently positioned 16th in the Premier League, Leeds United need to enhance their defensive organisation to climb the table. Key player Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with nine goals this season, continues to be a vital attacking threat for the team.

Leeds United: Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds United face some challenges with key players missing due to injuries. Daniel James, sidelined with a hamstring injury, is expected to return in about a week. His pace and ability to stretch defences will be sorely missed, potentially forcing Daniel Farke to rely more heavily on Brenden Aaronson and Gabriel Gudmundsson to provide width and creativity in attack.

Another significant absence is Jaka Bijol, who is also dealing with a hamstring issue, with his return anticipated by mid-February. His presence in midfield has been crucial for stabilising the team’s structure, and his absence might see Ilia Gruev stepping up to fill the void, although Gruev’s defensive capabilities will be tested.

Lukas Nmecha is out with a thigh injury and is not expected back until late February. As a versatile forward option, his absence limits Leeds United’s attacking depth, placing more responsibility on Dominic Calvert-Lewin to deliver up front. This could affect the team’s ability to rotate and manage player fatigue.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel James	Hamstring injury	About a week
Jaka Bijol	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Lukas Nmecha	Thigh injury	Late February 2026

Leeds United: Key Players

Dominic Calvert-Lewin stands out as Leeds United’s top scorer, having netted 9 goals this season. His proficiency in front of goal is pivotal for Leeds United, especially with his ability to convert chances with composure and clinical finishing. Calvert-Lewin’s presence at the forefront of the attack ensures that Leeds United can capitalise on any defensive lapses from Nottingham Forest. Supporting him in attack, Brenden Aaronson’s role as a playmaker is crucial, as his vision and passing can unlock defences and create opportunities.

In midfield, Ethan Ampadu’s versatility and defensive capabilities provide a solid foundation, allowing creative players like Ilia Gruev to push forward with confidence. Defensively, Pascal Struijk’s strength and aerial prowess will be essential in neutralising any threats from Nottingham Forest’s forwards. These players form the backbone of Leeds United’s tactical setup, aiming to dominate possession and control the tempo of the match.

Expected lineup for Leeds United:

• Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
• Defence: James Justin, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk
• Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Brenden Aaronson, Anton Stach
• Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United: Tactics and Formation

Leeds United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Midfield Dynamics: Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev
• Defensive Concerns: Conceded four goals in the last match
• Notable Strategy: Wing-back utilisation and counter-attacks.

In the 3-4-2-1 formation, Leeds United aim to leverage the width provided by wing-backs Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson. This setup allows them to stretch the opposition and create crossing opportunities for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the team’s top scorer with nine goals this season.

Defensively, the trio of James Justin, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk face challenges, as evidenced by conceding four goals against Arsenal. With Jaka Bijol injured, the defensive depth is tested, necessitating a disciplined performance to avoid leaving gaps.

Offensively, Leeds United rely on quick transitions, utilising the pace and creativity of Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach in advanced midfield roles. However, the team must improve on their previous performance, where they managed only three shots, to enhance their goal-scoring prospects.

Nottingham Forest: Analysis & Recent Performance

Nottingham Forest’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches. They secured a resounding 4-0 victory against Ferencváros in the Europa League, which highlights their potential in European competitions. However, their 1-1 draw at home against Crystal Palace in their last Premier League outing indicates areas for improvement domestically.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	Crystal Palace	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Feb 2026
Nottingham Forest	Ferencváros	4 – 0 (Win)	Europa League	29 Jan 2026
Brentford	Nottingham Forest	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026
Braga	Nottingham Forest	1 – 0 (Loss)	Europa League	22 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Arsenal	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
In the last five matches, Nottingham Forest have averaged 1.40 goals per game while conceding 0.40, suggesting a solid defensive setup with three clean sheets achieved. Their attack, led by top scorer Morgan Gibbs-White with six goals this season, has shown promise but could benefit from more consistent output, as evidenced by the goalless draw against Arsenal.

The team’s away performance reveals a slightly more aggressive approach, with two victories in their last five away fixtures. Despite a challenging start to the season, Forest’s current away form sits at a win ratio of 40%, demonstrating their capability to secure points on the road. However, inconsistency, highlighted by their position at 17th in the league with 26 points, remains a concern.

• DWWLD

Nottingham Forest: Suspensions & Injuries

Nottingham Forest face some challenges with their squad due to both injuries and suspensions. Neco Williams, a key figure in their defensive setup, will be unavailable due to a red card suspension. This absence could force manager Sean Dyche to make tactical adjustments, possibly bringing Ola Aina into a more central role or shifting the formation slightly to cover for the lack of defensive depth.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Neco Williams	Red card	1	Unknown

On the injury front, Chris Wood’s knee injury means that Nottingham Forest will miss his physical presence and goal-scoring ability up front until mid-April. Additionally, the absence of Nicolo Savona, also sidelined with a knee injury, reduces the depth in midfield options. Matz Sels is out with a muscle injury, which could see Angus Gunn continue between the posts, potentially affecting the team’s defensive solidity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chris Wood	Knee injury	Mid-April 2026
John Victor	Knee injury	Early June 2026
Nicolo Savona	Knee injury	Mid-March 2026
Matz Sels	Muscle injury	Late February 2026

These unavailabilities will likely lead to some tactical reshuffling. With a 4-2-3-1 formation, Nottingham Forest may rely more on Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity to unlock defences, while Elliot Anderson and Dan Ndoye might have to step up their game to fill the gaps left by the missing players. Bettors should note that these absences might affect Forest’s overall performance, especially in maintaining a solid defence against Leeds United.

Nottingham Forest: Key Players

Morgan Gibbs-White stands out as Nottingham Forest’s top scorer, having netted 6 goals this season. His role as an attacking midfielder makes him a pivotal playmaker, often orchestrating the team’s offensive manoeuvres. His ability to find space and deliver precise passes can dismantle Leeds United’s defence, making him a key player to watch.

In defence, the presence of Nikola Milenković is crucial. His commanding presence in the backline, alongside Murillo and Morato, provides stability and resilience, crucial for thwarting Leeds United’s attacking threats. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sangaré’s role as a central midfielder is vital; his defensive capabilities and ball-winning skills offer protection to the back four while facilitating transitions to attack.

Expected lineup for Nottingham Forest

• Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn
• Defenders: Ola Aina, Nikola Milenković, Murillo, Morato
• Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson, Dan Ndoye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolás Domínguez
• Forward: Igor Jesus

Igor Jesus, leading the line for Nottingham Forest, brings a dynamic edge to their attacking play. His ability to hold up the ball and link with midfielders like Nicolás Domínguez and Dan Ndoye can create numerous scoring opportunities. The interplay between these key players is essential for Nottingham Forest’s tactical approach, aiming to exploit any gaps in Leeds United’s defence. Their combined strengths in creativity and defensive solidity make them formidable opponents.

Nottingham Forest: Tactics and Formation

Nottingham Forest Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Igor Jesus
• Midfield Pivot: Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in their last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive setup with a focus on counterattacks.

Nottingham Forest’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation under Sean Dyche provides a balance between defensive solidity and attacking potential. Ibrahim Sangaré and Elliot Anderson form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition play and transitioning the ball effectively to the attacking trio.

In the absence of Callum Hudson-Odoi due to injury, Morgan Gibbs-White’s role becomes even more pivotal. He leads the attacking midfield line, linking up with Nicolás Domínguez and Dan Ndoye, while Igor Jesus spearheads the attack, looking to capitalise on any defensive lapses.

Defensively, the duo of Nikola Milenković and Murillo at centre-back has been crucial in securing clean sheets, complemented by the full-back pairing of Ola Aina and Morato. This setup has contributed significantly to Forest’s defensive resilience, allowing them to focus on counterattacking opportunities.

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest: Head-to-Head Record

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have faced off 28 times, with Forest slightly ahead in the head-to-head record, boasting 10 wins compared to Leeds United’s 8, alongside 10 draws. Their most recent encounter saw Nottingham Forest claim a 3-1 victory at home in the Premier League back in November 2025.

The last time Leeds United hosted Forest at Elland Road in the Premier League was in April 2023, where Leeds United secured a 2-1 win. This suggests that Leeds United can hold their own on home turf, even if Forest have had the upper hand overall.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Nottingham Forest	Leeds United	3 – 1	Premier League	2025-11-09
Nottingham Forest	Leeds United	0 – 2	Friendly	2023-07-27
Leeds United	Nottingham Forest	2 – 1	Premier League	2023-04-04
Nottingham Forest	Leeds United	1 – 0	Premier League	2023-02-05
Nottingham Forest	Leeds United	2 – 0	Championship	2020-02-08