Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats

Nottingham Forest will take on Leeds United on Sunday, with the result likely to impact how the relegation battle shapes up.

Nottingham Forest, who face Leeds United next, enter the second half of their campaign with renewed optimism following yet another strong transfer window. From the outside, Steve Cooper seems equipped to deal with the rigours of a possible relegation battle, but fate remains in their own hands.

After a terrible start to their season, which saw Forest win only one of their first eleven games, Cooper’s men have lost only twice in their last ten. They head into Sunday’s clash with Leeds United on a four-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which they would like to improve on.

A League Cup semi-final exit to Manchester United will likely have a minor impact on Cooper’s preparation for the Premier League, which remains their objective. They are three points ahead of Leeds United, and a win would extend that lead and bring them further away from the relegation zone.

On the other hand, Jesse Marsch has a major task at Leeds United. The American manager’s position at the helm is still under considerable doubt. And he needs to improve results immediately. Their last wins came back in October, and they have managed only three draws and as many defeats since then.

The FA Cup gave Marsch a welcome distraction away from the Premier League. Leeds United thrashed Cardiff City 5-2 in the third round before dispatching Accrington Stanley 3-1 to book their place in the Round of 16 of the competition.

Leeds United also have to contend with dreadful form on the road this season. Marsch’s men have managed to take only five points from a possible 27 this term, the second-worst record in the division. They can take solace from their scoring form in away games, which the manager will hope converts into points against Forest.

Team News & Tactics

Nottingham Forest

Steve Cooper will have a real task to get his selections right against Leeds United. Nottingham Forest welcomed more players in the January window, with some likely to play a part in the game, possibly not from the start. Jonjo Shelvey, Andre Ayew, and Felipe could play a minor role from the bench.

Meanwhile, Cooper will have Keylor Navas installed between the sticks, with the Costa Rican goalkeeper coming straight into the lineup. With Dean Henderson injured, the former Real Madrid man could have an extended run.

Nottingham Forest also has a long list of injured stars out of contention, headlined by Morgan Gibbs-White. Striker Taiwo Awoniyi, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Moussa Niakhate are also out of contention, while Ryan Yates, Chris Wood, and Jack Colback are all significant doubt.

Renan Lodi and Serge Aurier should continue playing as the full-backs, while Brennan Johnson and Gustavo Scarpa will again be the key players in the final third. Remo Freuler, Jack Colback, and Orel Mangala should be the midfield trifecta.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Navas; Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi; Colback, Freuler, Mangala; Scarpa; Johnson, Wood

Leeds United

Leeds United also managed to get in quality reinforcements in the January window. Weston McKennie, Maximilian Wober, and Georginio Rutter arrived last month. But only Wober is expected to start against Nottingham Forest. Alternatively, if Tyler Adams cannot prove his fitness before the game, McKennie could begin in midfield.

Leeds have at least six players out of contention, with only Robin Koch (suspension) not playing due to a fitness issue. Marsch will rely on Wober and Liam Cooper to marshall the central defensive lines, with Pascal Struijk and Luke Ayling to start the game as full-backs on either flank.

Rodrigo is expected to miss at least two months of action so that Marsch could use the new arrival Rutter in his position. Alternatively, the manager could keep the new signing on the bench in favour of Brenden Aaronson. Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison will complete the attacking lineup behind central striker Patrick Bamford.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Ayling, Wober, Cooper, Struijk; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, Gnonto, Harrison; Bamford

Key Stats

• Nottingham Forest have only two defeats from their last ten Premier League games.
• Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games.
• Nottingham Forest are undefeated in their last five matches against Leeds in all competitions.
• Leeds United have taken only five points from a possible 27 on the road.
• Leeds are without a win their last six matches in the Premier League.

Player to Watch

Patrick Bamford

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The English striker has steadily returned to the fore for Leeds and should maintain his status as Leeds’s leading striker if he improves his form. Bamford has a big task to score goals between now and the end of the season to get his team as away as possible from the danger zone.

The games against teams like Nottingham Forest will prove the striker’s mettle for Leeds. He has to get on top of the opposition defence and get his bearings right. Faulty performances will again lead to a downfall under his manager, something Bamford will not want now.

Prediction

Nottingham Forest 2-1 Leeds United

It is always challenging for a side that made so many signings in two windows to get their act together. It took the hosts considerable time to find rhythm in the team, and Steve Cooper would like to keep momentum now. So Nottingham Forest are the favourites to take three points against Leeds United.

Jesse Marsch is coming under increasing pressure to deliver results. No matter how well his side has played in patches this season, wins and points are the ultimate thing that matters. Leeds could have to wait for another matchday to get those coveted three points, with Nottingham Forest the favourites on Sunday to beat them.