Former Premier League forward Chris Sutton has warned Leeds United that their ‘fragility’ could count against them on their trip to Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Leeds United last won at the City Ground in the top flight in 1971 when the legendary side under Don Revie claimed a 2-0 win.
Daniel Farke faces the difficult test of replicating Revie’s side as he looks to bounce back from a damaging defeat against Brighton.
Leeds are in desperate need of a victory to put some distance between themselves and the Premier League relegation zone, with a difficult run of fixtures awaiting them on the other side of the international break.
Now, Chris Sutton has delivered a pessimistic verdict on Leeds’ hopes of claiming a vital three points against Nottingham Forest, predicting that Leeds’ poor away record could count against them.
Pundit Chris Sutton speaks prior to Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
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Chris Sutton delivers Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United verdict
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton explained why he believes Leeds face a difficult task at the City Ground in a crucial relegation battle.
According to Sutton, Leeds’ poor run of form away from home, which has seen them win just once on the road this season, will count against them in Nottingham.
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Sutton said: “Nottingham Forest nearly got over the line against Manchester United last week, and they had a bit of spirit about the way they played, but Sean Dyche is still waiting for his first Premier League win with them, and he will want to get that monkey off his back.
“Leeds have done pretty well at Elland Road, but so far, the only time they have picked up any points or even scored a goal away from home was when they beat bottom side Wolves in September.
“Their fragility on the road means this is a great opportunity for Forest, even though they play away in Europe on Thursday. 2-0”
Jack Harrison during Leeds United v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
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Jack Harrison was the hero last time Leeds United met Nottingham Forest
Although Leeds do not have a strong recent track record against Forest, having lost three of the last five meetings between the two sides, the Whites did win the last meeting in 2023.
There was a feeling of optimism around Elland Road on that occasion, as Javi Gracia appeared to be building momentum, having replaced Jesse Marsch.
Although Forest took an unexpected lead in the April 2023 meeting between the two sides, Leeds soon hit back through Jack Harrison, as the Whites ramped up the pressure.
A Luis Sinisterra goal on the verge of half-time settled the game as Leeds claimed a much-needed win in their ultimately unsuccessful hunt for survival.