Premier League legend Alan Shearer has delivered his verdict on whether Leeds United can secure a much-needed away win against Nottingham Forest.
Leeds United have not won a top-flight game at the City Ground since 1971, which highlights the full scale of the challenge faced by Daniel Farke and his side.
Former England international Chris Sutton backed Forest to continue that run, despite the quick turnaround from their Europa League game against Sturm Graz on Thursday.
Sean Dyche made seven changes for that game, although he denied that his selection was influenced by the quick turnaround for their crucial Premier League meeting with Leeds.
Now, Sutton’s former Blackburn Rovers teammate Alan Shearer has echoed his view that Forest will take all three points, despite Dyche’s growing injury list.
Alan Shearer on punditry duty as Newcastle take on Man United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Alan Shearer delivers Nottingham Forest v Leeds United prediction
Speaking to the Metro, Shearer explained that he always expected Leeds to be in a relegation battle this season and their fate is likely to be decided in games at Elland Road.
According to Shearer, he expects Dyche to inspire his side to victory in the fixture, despite Forest’s lengthy injury list heading into the game.
Shearer said: “I’ve never thought that Leeds wouldn’t be in a relegation battle. We’ve always said that it’ll be about their home form if they are to stay up and their season is pretty much going on as I thought.
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“They’ve certainly got enough to stay up and that’s why there’s been so much panic with managers losing jobs because of what Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have done but I still think Leeds will be there or thereabouts and it’ll be tight for them.
“I do think Nottingham Forest will have too much for them on Sunday. If it was at Elland Road, I’d be swayed but away from home I don’t see Leeds getting three points.”
Daniel Farke celebrates after Leeds United beat Everton in the Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
How does Leeds United’s home form compare with away form after 10 games?
Shearer is right to point to Leeds’ home form as a cause for optimism, as Farke must wish his side could play every game at Elland Road.
While Leeds are not challenging for the top half based on their home form, they rank comfortably in the middle of the Premier League home form table, well clear of the bottom sides.
After five home games, Leeds sit 13th in the table with two wins, two draws and one defeat, having scored six and conceded five.
Leeds United in 25/26 Home Away
Played 5 5
Won 2 1
Drawn 2 0
Lost 1 4
Goals For 6 3
Goals Against 5 12
Total Points 8 3
Premier League Rank 13th 17th
Source: Premier League Website
By contrast, Leeds are 17th in the table on away form, with one win and four defeats on the road, having scored just three and conceded 12.
Although their home form will be crucial to their survival hopes, Farke needs to find an approach that allows his side to keep topping up their points tally away from Elland Road.