Preview:

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest meet at Elland Road on Friday night in a fixture that could have major consequences in the relegation battle, with both sides holding only a six-point cushion above the drop zone. Leeds sit 16th, level on points with Forest but ahead on goal difference, and Daniel Farke’s side will be keen to respond after last weekend’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal. That result was a reminder of their vulnerability, but Leeds have generally been difficult to beat at home, losing just once at Elland Road to a side outside the top three this season (W5, D4). A strong run since December, sparked by a surprise 3-1 win over Chelsea, has seen the Whites lose just two of their last 11 league games, though six draws in that spell underline how fine their margins remain. Encouragingly, Leeds have also won their last three Friday night home fixtures, a trend they will hope continues against another direct rival.

Forest arrive in West Yorkshire following a turbulent campaign that has fallen well short of expectations after last season’s seventh-place finish. Managerial upheaval defined the early months, with Nuno Espírito Santo and Ange Postecoglou both departing before Sean Dyche steadied the ship. While Forest remain 17th, a four-game unbeaten league run (W2, D2) has eased the pressure and restored some belief, with Dyche’s side particularly effective on the road — four of their last five league wins have come away from home. Forest will also take confidence from a dominant 3-1 win in the reverse fixture and a strong recent head-to-head record, although Elland Road has historically proven a difficult venue. With both teams desperate for points and momentum, and attacking trends suggesting goals at both ends, this encounter looks set to be tense, open, and pivotal in shaping the relegation picture.

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