The Premier League season kicks off for Nottingham Forest and Leeds on August 22, 2026, with both teams looking to make an early statement. Forest, coming off a campaign of 8 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses, showed glimpses of resilience with a recent form of one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Their home advantage will be crucial as they aim to improve on a modest 25% win rate.
Leeds arrive at the City Ground with an identical win rate and a similar recent run of one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five. Their 39 goals scored last season suggest a slightly more potent attack than Forest's 32, but their defensive record of 49 conceded is also a concern. Recent head-to-head encounters have been evenly split and often high-scoring, including two 3-1 results for each side. With the bookmakers giving a draw and an away win a 45% probability each, this fixture promises to be a tight affair. Watch for tactical battles in midfield and who can exploit the expected open play, with Over 2.5 goals looking plausible given past history.
12. John Victor, 4. Morato, 7. C. Hudson-Odoi, 8. N. Dominguez, 11. C. Wood, 15. A. Kalimuendo, 17. E. da Silva Moreira, 21. X. Schlager, 23. Cunha, 25. L. Netz, 44. Z. Abbott
1. J. Trafford, 2. J. Bogle, 24. J. Justin, 5. T. Muharemovic, 6. J. Rodon, 15. J. Bijol, 4. E. Ampadu, 18. A. Stach, 17. H. Wilson, 11. B. Aaronson, 9. D. Calvert-Lewin
Match events
18' Card Yellow Card — O. Aina (Nottingham Forest)
25' Var Goal Disallowed - offside — H. Wilson (Leeds)
32' Card Yellow Card — D. Calvert-Lewin (Leeds)
52' Card Yellow Card — Cunha (Nottingham Forest)
62' subst Substitution 1 — D. Ndoye (Nottingham Forest) (assists: C. Wood)
66' subst Substitution 1 — H. Wilson (Leeds) (assists: N. Okafor)
74' subst Substitution 2 — O. Aina (Nottingham Forest) (assists: L. Netz)
Global 
.png)
