Nottingham Forest
Leeds United
>Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Predictions, Picks & Odds – 22/08/2026
Premier League · 1Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United – Best bets of the match
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Preview
Nottingham Forest begin the new Premier League campaign at The City Ground having finished last season in fifteenth place. Oliver Glasner's side closed out 2025-26 with two wins and two draws from their final five fixtures, a run that steadied what had been an inconsistent term. Pre-season results were encouraging, including victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Stade Brestois. Nicolo Savona misses out through a knee injury, but the squad otherwise looks well prepared for the opener.
Leeds United return to the top flight sitting sixteenth after a season defined by solid if unspectacular returns, picking up one win and two draws from their last five outings. Daniel Farke's men, however, arrive at The City Ground in buoyant mood following a sparkling pre-season that featured wins over Liverpool, RB Leipzig, and FC Augsburg. Gabriel Gudmundsson is ruled out with a hamstring problem, while Noah Okafor is unlikely to start after a late return from international duty.
Nottingham Forest's home record provides the foundation for a double chance selection here. The hosts won their final two matches of last season at The City Ground, and their pre-season victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Stade Brestois suggest Oliver Glasner's side are well prepared. Forest's home advantage at 2.30 looks competitive, and backing the 1X double chance offers a sensible safety net.
Leeds arrive with decent form, having lost just once in their last five league outings, but their away record tells a different story. Two draws and a defeat from their final three road fixtures last term highlight a tendency to drop points on their travels. Daniel Farke will also be without Gabriel Gudmundsson, while Noah Okafor is unlikely to start after a late return from international duty.
Both sides showed attacking intent during pre-season, yet the tight nature of previous meetings at this venue points towards a cagey opening day. Forest's 3-1 home win in November 2025 demonstrated their capacity to punish Leeds in front of their own supporters. The under 2.5 goals market at 1.85 merits attention alongside the home or draw pick, given the cautious approach teams typically adopt on matchday one.
Trends to Know about Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
- Forest won three of last five
- Leeds winless in two away matches
- City Ground hosts favour home side
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?
Kickoff at The City Ground is scheduled for 15:00 local time on Saturday 22 August 2026.
Where is Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United being played?
This fixture takes place at The City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest in Nottingham.
How Can I Watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United on TV and Live Stream?
Check your local listings for broadcast details, as coverage varies by region and provider.