Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United prediction 22.08.2026 | Premier League

Nottingham Forest begin their Premier League campaign after a turbulent 2025/26 season.

The Tricky Trees finished 16th in the Premier League but performed considerably better in Europe, reaching the Europa League semi-finals. 

In a remarkable campaign of mismanagement, Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis hired and fired four different managers before finally appointing Oliver Glasner, who is now tasked with restoring stability at the City Ground.

Forest have been a little inconsistent in their pre-season fixtures. Glasner’s men won five and lost three of nine games in a busy summer schedule. 

A late Arnaud Kalimuendo goal secured a 2:1 win against Bayer Leverkusen last week before Forest eased to a 2:0 success against Brest last Saturday. 

Forest have now won three of their four previous friendly fixtures at the City Ground after road defeats against Barcelona, Udinese and Sporting CP. 

Head coach Glasner has some selection issues this weekend. Nicolo Savona is expected to miss Saturday’s opener with a knee injury. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Wood could also require late fitness checks.

Morgan Gibbs-White should operate behind Igor Jesus in the Forest attack.

Leeds United make the trip to Nottingham after enjoying an excellent run of pre-season results.

Daniel Farke’s side claimed an impressive 4:2 victory against Liverpool before recording a comfortable 2:0 success against RB Leipzig.

Leeds then earned a 1:1 draw against Manchester United in Dublin, although they were eventually beaten in a penalty shootout.

The Whites completed their preparations with a commanding 4:0 win against Augsburg at Elland Road last weekend. Anton Stach, Tarik Muharemovic, James Justin and Lukas Nmecha were on the scoresheet in a morale-boosting win. 

A  strong run of form since the end  of last season has seen Leeds win six and lose only two of their last ten fixtures. 

Head coach Farke has several injury issues before Saturday’s Premier League opener. Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ilia Gruev, Lucas Perri, Mateo Joseph and Wilfried Gnonto are expected to miss out.

Record signing James Trafford should start in goal after featuring in the victory against Augsburg.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead the attack, with Harry Wilson and Brenden Aaronson are likely to offer creativity in the final third.