Nottingham Forest host Leeds United at The City Ground on Sunday, 9th November in a fixture that already feels pivotal for both clubs this season.
With the hosts desperate to lift themselves away from the foot of the table and Leeds looking to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, this 2:00 PM kick-off promises tension and urgency. Both sides have struggled for consistency, but their recent head-to-head record is dead even, setting the stage for a hard-fought Premier League clash.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent form, defensive records, and attacking output, here are our top betting recommendations for Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United. We’re particularly confident in Both Teams To Score (Yes) due to both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities and the tendency for this fixture to produce goals.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams To Score: Yes | Bet365 4/5 (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Forest have conceded 19 goals in 10 league games this season, while Leeds have leaked 17 in the same span. Historically, Forest vs Leeds H2H shows “both teams scored” in 64% of their 36 meetings. With both defences proving vulnerable and each side still chasing points, the BTTS scenario is strongly backed. |
| Under 2.5 Goals | Betfair 5/6 (30.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Nottingham Forest and Leeds United look evenly matched heading into Sunday’s clash. Forest average 0.7 goals per game to Leeds’ 0.9, while both concede less than two goals a game on average. Their xG and possession stats are almost identical, and four of their last six league meetings have ended with under 2.5 goals. With neither side dominant defensively or creatively, the under line appears statistically probable. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United match odds
How both teams head into Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Things have certainly been tumultuous for Nottingham Forest this season. Their poor start to the season saw Nuno Espirito Santo relieved of his duties and replaced by Ange Postecoglu. The Australian didn’t last very long though, with Sean Dyche coming in just 39 days later to take over. The change in manager led to Nottingham Forest picking up their first point in five games with a 2-2 draw against Man Utd last weekend. That leaves them in 19th position, with just six points from 10 games.
Things have been a little better for Leeds but not by much. They’ve won three of their opening 10 games, but have lost three of their last four seeing them drop to 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone. Leeds have averaged less than a goal a game scored this season but conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game in the league, with wins coming over Everton, Wolves and West Ham.
Nottingham Forest team news
Ola Aina is a long term absentee and isn’t expected back until the new year, while Dilane Bakwa and Oleksandr Zinchenko are still a couple of weeks away from returning. There could be big returns for Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi but Angus Gunn and Douglas Luiz are both unlikely to see any action.
Leeds United team news
Wilfried Gnonto could make his return from injury in this tie, whilst Jayden Bogle should be available again after missing some time through illness. Harry Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could miss out, with both being rated as doubtful.
Season Form & Standings
It’s been a challenging 2025/26 season so far for both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. After ten matches, Forest are struggling in 19th place, having won just once, drawn three and lost six, with the second worst defensive record in the division (19 goals conceded, no clean sheets). Leeds, only marginally better, sit 16th, three places and five points clear, but have at least managed two clean sheets and more overall goals.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds United | 16 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 17 | -8 | 11 |
| Nottingham Forest | 19 | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 19 | -12 | 6 |
Head-to-Head
These teams are inseparable over their last nine encounters, with three wins apiece and three draws, and ten goals each. The most recent meetings have been tight affairs, with neither team able to establish a clear upper hand.
Last 9 Meetings
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 04/04/23 | Leeds United 2-1 Nottingham Forest | Premier League |
| 05/02/23 | Nottingham Forest 1-0 Leeds United | Premier League |
| 08/02/20 | Nottingham Forest 2-0 Leeds United | Championship |
| 10/08/19 | Leeds United 1-1 Nottingham Forest | Championship |
| 01/01/19 | Nottingham Forest 4-2 Leeds United | Championship |
| 27/10/18 | Leeds United 1-1 Nottingham Forest | Championship |
| 01/01/18 | Leeds United 0-0 Nottingham Forest | Championship |
| 26/08/17 | Nottingham Forest 0-2 Leeds United | Championship |
| 25/01/17 | Leeds United 2-0 Nottingham Forest | Championship |
Conclusion
With both sides struggling for wins and defensive solidity, Saturday’s meeting could swing on fine margins or a moment of individual quality. Will Nottingham Forest finally tighten up at the back and secure a much-needed home win, or can Leeds United’s more resilient defence and attacking edge carry them to a valuable three points? For punters, Both Teams To Score at Bet365 4/5 (55.6%) stands out as the best value selection.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.