Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche's Reds prepare to take on Leeds United at the City Ground
05:00, 08 Nov 2025
Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus
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Nottingham Forest striker Igor Jesus(Image: Getty)
The season is only 10 games old but already this weekend's clash with Leeds United feels like a crucial one for Nottingham Forest.
Head coach Sean Dyche played down its significance when he spoke after Thursday's Europa League goalless stalemate away to Sturm Graz. But he did admit there is no escaping the Reds' position in the table as they sit in 19th spot, four points from safety.
There is still plenty of time for Forest to turn things around, of course, and there are positives to build on from Dyche's first few games in charge. Nevertheless, he does have a number of issues to address - not least sharpening his team up at the top end of the pitch.
A win at the City Ground on Sunday (2pm kick-off) would certainly boost the mood Trentside going into the international break. By the time the action resumes in a fortnight, Dyche will hope to have some of his injured players available again.
He had previously been hopeful Chris Wood would have recovered from a knee injury in time to face the Whites. But the Reds boss was less optimistic about the front man's chances of being fit when he spoke after the full-time whistle in midweek.
It means Igor Jesus is likely to come back into the XI up front. The Brazilian was suspended for the trip to Austria.
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is also a doubt for Sunday after sustaining a suspected dead leg in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. With Dilane Bakwa also sidelined, Dyche does not have too many wide options.
James McAtee was handed a rare start against Graz. He suffered with cramp and had to make way in the 66th minute but could retain his spot against Leeds. After being ineligible to feature on Thursday night, Omari Hutchinson is also in contention.
Finding the right attacking set-up is definitely a dilemma for Dyche. Goals have been difficult to come by for Forest and he needs to find a way of putting that right.
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He could also have a decision to make in the centre of the pitch. Elliot Anderson is almost certain to come back into the line-up after not travelling to Austria out of precaution as he rested some knocks, but Dyche must make the call on who should line up alongside him.
Douglas Luiz is sidelined but Ibrahim Sangare will hope he did enough at the Merkur Arena to earn a second successive start. Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez are also options.
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At the back, it is likely to be a return to a familiar set-up. Centre-back Morato played his part in keeping a clean-sheet on Thursday but Murillo will likely return to partner Nikola Milenkovic this weekend.
Predicted Forest XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare, Anderson; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Ndoye; Jesus.
How should Forest line up against Leeds? Click HERE to have your say