Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest Prediction & Betting Tips (6 February) – Premier League

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest go head-to-head under the Elland Road lights on Friday night in a fixture carrying serious relegation weight. Separated only by goal difference in the Premier League table, both sides know that a positive result here could provide crucial breathing space above the drop zone.

With just six points currently separating each club from the bottom three, nerves are understandably high. Leeds have been tough to beat at home for much of the campaign, while Forest arrive encouraged by a recent upturn in results under Sean Dyche. For bettors, this has the feel of a tense, finely balanced contest where small margins could decide the outcome ⚽🔥.

Match preview

Leeds United: Form, confidence & key themes

As one of the newly promoted sides, Leeds United began the 2025-26 season with expectations of a relegation scrap, and for long periods that prediction looked justified. After an eye-catching opening-day victory over Everton, Daniel Farke’s men struggled badly, managing only two wins in their following 12 league matches.

December proved a turning point, however. A surprise 3-1 victory over Chelsea sparked a more resilient run, with Leeds losing just twice in an 11-game Premier League stretch. That improvement lifted the Whites up to 16th place and gave them a valuable cushion over the bottom three.

That momentum was halted abruptly last weekend, though, as Leeds were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Arsenal. While the defeat was against elite opposition, it underlined a recent issue: Leeds have won just one of their last seven league games, drawing too many matches for comfort. With West Ham showing signs of life behind them, Farke will be keen for a response, especially at Elland Road, where Leeds have been stubborn opponents this season 🏟️.

Tactically, the five-man defensive system has brought stability, particularly at home, and Farke is expected to stick with it despite the setback in North London. The challenge will be rediscovering attacking sharpness while maintaining the defensive discipline that has largely kept Leeds competitive.

Nottingham Forest: Momentum, problems & opportunities

Forest’s season has been far more turbulent. After an impressive seventh-place finish last year and heavy summer investment, expectations were high, but instability in the dugout derailed early progress. A promising start was followed by managerial upheaval, with two changes before Christmas.

Since Sean Dyche’s appointment, Forest have at least found structure. His initial impact was strong, combining solid league results with important European performances that secured knockout-stage football. A worrying four-game losing run around the turn of the year dragged them back into the relegation picture, but Forest have steadied themselves again with two wins and two draws from their last four league outings.

Now sitting 17th, level on points with Leeds but behind on goal difference, Forest arrive at Elland Road knowing that a repeat of their dominant 3-1 home win in the reverse fixture would be hugely valuable. Dyche’s side have shown they can be dangerous in transition, and with Leeds expected to press aggressively at home, opportunities may arise 📊.

Form guide 📊

Leeds United Premier League form:
D D L W D L

Leeds United form (all competitions):
D L W W D L

Nottingham Forest Premier League form:
L L W D W D

Nottingham Forest form (all competitions):
D D L W W D

Leeds’ recent run highlights their resilience, but also a lack of cutting edge, with too many draws slowing their progress. Forest, meanwhile, appear to be building momentum again, unbeaten in four league matches and looking more balanced defensively. Home advantage has been significant for Leeds, while Forest have tended to improve when games remain tight.

Team news & predicted lineups 🧤

Leeds United

Leeds will be without Jaka Bijol, Daniel James and Lukas Nmecha, all sidelined by muscle injuries, though none are long-term concerns. Despite last weekend’s heavy defeat, wholesale changes are not expected.

A return to the back three could see Sebastiaan Bornauw come back into defence, while James Justin may shift back into a wing-back role. Further forward, Noah Okafor is pushing for a starting spot as Leeds look to add more threat in the final third. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a focal point up front, offering physical presence and aerial ability.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Darlow; Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin; Stach, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin

Nottingham Forest

Forest’s injury list is more severe. John Victor, Matz Sels, Nicolo Savona, Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all unavailable, while Neco Williams is suspended following his red card last time out.

January arrival Stefan Ortega could be handed his debut in goal, and changes are expected at full-back, with Morato likely to deputise. In attack, Morgan Gibbs-White remains the creative hub, supported by Nicolas Dominguez and Igor Jesus, while Dan Ndoye is a candidate to start wide.

Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus

Key stats & betting angles 🔍

• Forest won the reverse fixture 3-1 earlier this season, scoring three times from midfield runners.
• Leeds have lost just three of 12 home league matches at Elland Road this term.
• Leeds have drawn six of their last 11 Premier League games, highlighting a tendency for tight outcomes.
• Forest are unbeaten in their last four league matches (W2, D2).
• Both teams sit level on points, suggesting a cautious approach in the opening stages.
• Leeds have conceded four goals only once at home this season, pointing to a likely reaction after the Arsenal defeat.

Prediction ⚽

This feels like a classic relegation six-pointer, where avoiding defeat may initially outweigh the desire to take risks. Leeds’ home form and defensive structure should make them competitive, but Forest arrive with renewed confidence and the memory of a comfortable win in the reverse fixture.

Expect a tense, physical contest, with spells of pressure from the hosts and Forest looking to exploit transitions through Gibbs-White. Goals may be at a premium, and a share of the spoils would not be a surprise, though Leeds’ Elland Road resilience could just tilt the balance.

Likely result: Draw
Correct score: 1-1
Best betting angle: Both Teams to Score or Draw No Bet (Leeds)

Correct score prediction: Leeds United 1–1 Nottingham Forest

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