Competition: Premier League (Matchweek 25)
Venue: Elland Road
Kick-off: Friday, February 6, 2026 (20:00 GMT)
Friday night football serves up a massive relegation “six-pointer” at Elland Road as Leeds United host Nottingham Forest. With both sides locked on 26 points – hovering dangerously above the drop zone – this fixture could define the season for whoever comes out on top.
1. Match Context
Leeds United enter the game desperate to restore pride. After a promising run of form, Daniel Farke’s side suffered a psychological blow last week, crumbling to a demoralizing 0-4 defeat at home to league leaders Arsenal. That result exposed their defensive fragility and dragged them back into the relegation conversation.
For Leeds, this game is not just about points; it is about proving that Elland Road remains a fortress against their direct rivals.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest arrive in West Yorkshire with quiet confidence. Under the pragmatic guidance of Sean Dyche, Forest have transformed into a gritty, hard-to-beat unit. They are currently enjoying a four-match unbeaten run, although they have struggled to turn draws into wins.
Currently, Nottingham Forest are not safe yet. Therefore, a win would catapult them towards mid-table security, while a defeat would pull them back into the panic of the bottom three.
2. Team News & Injury Updates
Leeds United Team News
The hosts have been dealt a significant blow in the engine room, with key midfielder Anton Stach ruled out for at least two weeks due to a hip injury. His absence leaves a void in protecting the backline.
Adding to Daniel Farke’s selection headache, striker Lukas Nmecha – the match-winner against Fulham – is a major doubt after picking up a thigh problem.
However, there is a massive boost for a defense that leaked four goals against Arsenal: center-back Jaka Bijol and versatile fullback James Justin have returned to full training. Farke is expected to bring them straight back into the starting XI to stabilize the ship.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Sean Dyche faces a defensive reshuffle for this trip. Right-back Neco Williams is suspended following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
There are also significant concerns over first-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels (groin) and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi (shoulder), facing late fitness tests. This injury crisis could force Dyche to hand immediate debuts to his January signings.
Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, signed from Man City, is on standby to start, while German left-back Luca Netz could be thrown into the deep end for his Premier League bow.
3. Recent Form Guide
-
Leeds United: L D W L L
-
Last result: Lost 0-4 vs Arsenal (Home).
-
Home Form: Won 3 of their last 6 at Elland Road.
-
-
Nottingham Forest: D W D W L
-
-
Last result: Drew 1-1 vs Crystal Palace (Home).
-
Trend: Unbeaten in their last 4 Premier League matches.
-
-
4. Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest: Predicted Lineups
Leeds United Predicted XI (5-3-2): Darlow; Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Ampadu, Gruev, Justin; Stach, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato; Sangare, Anderson; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
5. Match Prediction
This has all the makings of a tense, nervy affair. Leeds will feel the pressure to attack to wash away the memory of the Arsenal defeat, but playing open football against a Sean Dyche team is dangerous.
Forest are set up perfectly to absorb pressure and hit on the counter-attack. However, without Stach controlling the midfield for Leeds and Williams missing for Forest, both defenses look vulnerable. Expect a tight, physical battle that ultimately ends in a share of the spoils.
-
Score Prediction: Leeds United 1 – 1 Nottingham Forest
6. Kick-off Times & Broadcast Info (Where to Watch)
Fans in Southeast Asia should note the new broadcasting changes for the 2025/26 season. In Vietnam, the Premier League is now exclusively on FPT Play, while fans in Thailand can catch the action on the new rights holder Monomax / 3BB GIGATV.
| Region | Time Zone | Date & Time | TV Channel / Stream |
| United Kingdom | GMT | Fri, Feb 6 – 20:00 | Sky Sports Main Event |
| Vietnam | GMT+7 | Sat, Feb 7 – 03:00 | FPT Play |
| Thailand | GMT+7 | Sat, Feb 7 – 03:00 | Monomax / 3BB GIGATV |
| USA (East) | EST | Fri, Feb 6 – 15:00 | Peacock / USA Network |
| Central Europe | CET | Fri, Feb 6 – 21:00 | Canal+ / DAZN |
