Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
>Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Predictions, Picks & Odds – 25/08/2026
Carabao Cup · 2nd RoundNottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Best bets of the match
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Preview
Nottingham Forest begin a new era under Oliver Glasner, who inherits a squad that endured four managerial changes last season. The Austrian, fresh from guiding Crystal Palace to Conference League glory, favours a wing-back system that should suit Forest's personnel. Pre-season offered encouragement, with victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Brest providing genuine optimism. Their recent form shows two wins followed by a defeat and two draws, a mixed bag that reflects the transitional nature of this rebuild.
Leeds United finished 14th last term and have backed Daniel Farke handsomely this summer, spending over 74 million pounds including a club-record deal for goalkeeper James Trafford. Pre-season was impressive; four wins from five matches, highlighted by a 4-2 dismantling of Liverpool, suggest real attacking intent. Their recent form reads as somewhat inconsistent, though, with two draws, a win, a defeat, and another draw across their last five outings. Farke will want early momentum in all competitions.
Forest's home record last season tells a revealing story: four wins, eight draws, and seven defeats at The City Ground. That draw-heavy profile is precisely why backing the double chance covering a home win or draw makes strategic sense here. The home side's odds at 2.17 reflect a marginal advantage, and the sheer volume of stalemates at this ground last term supports the 1X selection comfortably.
Leeds arrive with genuine momentum, having won four of their last five pre-season fixtures, including a 4-2 demolition of Liverpool. Daniel Farke's squad, bolstered by over 74 million pounds in summer spending, will fancy their chances. Yet cup ties at hostile venues early in the campaign carry different pressures, and Forest's positive pre-season, highlighted by victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Brest, suggests Glasner's methods are already taking hold.
The fact these two sides meet in the Premier League just days before this Carabao Cup fixture adds a fascinating tactical layer. Rotation is inevitable on both sides, which tends to favour the home team operating in familiar surroundings. A draw at 3.62 remains a strong possibility given Forest's tendencies, while the under 2.5 goals line at 1.92 warrants attention given the likely squad changes and early-season caution from both managers.
Trends to Know about Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
- Forest won two of last five home matches
- Leeds drew three of last five fixtures
- City Ground hosted eight draws last season
Form & Statistics: Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Nottingham Forest
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Leeds United
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Match?
What time is Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United?
Nottingham Forest host Leeds United at The City Ground on 25 August 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 01:00 local time.
Where is Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United being played?
This Carabao Cup 2nd Round tie takes place at The City Ground in Nottingham.
How Can I Watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United on TV and Live Stream?
This match is available to watch on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom.