Pre-Match Analysis: Leeds United take on Nottingham Forest
PHOTO: LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Leeds United and Everton at Elland Road on August 18, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Leeds United take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this Saturday afternoon in their first away outing of the season.
The Whites have enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign, securing four wins out of six, with the most recent being a 4-0 win over German side Augsburg last Saturday.
Three first half goals from Anton Stach, Tarik Muharemovic and James Justin gave Leeds a serious advantage, before substitute Lukas Nmecha scored the fourth in the final ten minutes to put the game to bed.
Leeds will be hoping to kick off the new season with a win, aiming to repeat their positive run of results leading up to the opening weekend.
It will not be easy for The Whites to secure all three points against Forest, with their last league win at the City Ground being almost a decade ago, in the 2017/18 Championship season.
Pre-Match Analysis: Leeds United take on Nottingham Forest
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: James Trafford poses for photos as he signs for Leeds United at Elland Road Stadium on August 06, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
Leeds have enjoyed a hefty transfer window with four new arrivals, including the much-anticipated signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, who arrived at Elland Road from Manchester City on a five-year deal.
The Whites had a historic FA Cup run last season, despite finishing in 14th place, with Leeds earning a spot in the semi-finals for the first time in 39 years.
All eyes will be on Leeds’ new signings as Daniel Farke will be hoping to pull his side together for yet another successful season.
Will recurring injuries hold Dominic Calvert-Lewin back from reaching his full potential for Leeds?
Dominic Calvert-Lewi of Leeds United in action during the during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and RB Leipzig at Elland Road on August 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
PHOTO: Dominic Calvert-Lewi of Leeds United in action during the during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and RB Leipzig at Elland Road on August 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Calvert- Lewin has no doubt been one of Leeds top performers since he joined from Everton last season.
The striker bagged 14 goals in 35 appearances for The Whites in the Premier League, earning the title of top goalscorer.
However, injuries have plagued Calvert-Lewin throughout his professional career, with the 29-year-old struggling with recurring hamstring, knee and thigh issues. These injuries have regularly disrupted large parts of his career, and he has spent several months on the sidelines.
Since 2020, Calvert-Lewin has sustained a hamstring or thigh injury almost every season, which can bench him for multiple weeks at a time.
Lewin was able to remain fit for the majority of last season, and Nmecha proved a reliable replacement for him, but Farke will no doubt want to keep his main man as fit and rested as possible to prevent a possible, but likely, injury.
The former English international missed multiple pre-season games, including the game against Wrexham, due to a minor injury sustained during training, however, has linked back up with the squad in time for the opening match.
Calvert-Lewin is a huge asset for Farke’s side, but can the striker remain clear of injury to help his team aim for a solid season?
How should Leeds line-up to face Oliver Glasner’s system?
Oliver Glasner will likely stick to his preferred back three system that he used during his time at Crystal Palace, with their shiny new signing Ousmane Diomande likely to make his debut at centre back, alongside Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.
If Leeds have any hope to beat the back line to find the net, Farke will likely deploy Calvert-Lewin to lead the line, followed by new signing Harry Wilson, who impressed in pre-season, and Brenden Aaronson, with the American having signed a new deal with The Whites yesterday.
Pre-Match Analysis: Leeds United take on Nottingham Forest
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Tarik Muharemovic of Leeds in action during the during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and RB Leipzig at Elland Road on August 08, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Farke will no doubt be wary of star man Morgan Gibbs-White, who’s partnership with Igor Jesus is enough to strike fear in any defender. Between the two of them they contributed 21 goals and eight assists in the Premier League.
Muharemovic is expected to make his full debut at centre back tomorrow; the Bosnian will likely line-up with Jaka Bijol and Joe Rodon, who’s just put pen to paper to extend his stay at Leeds until 2030, with club record signing Trafford starting in goal.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Joe Rodon poses for photos after signing a contract extension for Leeds United at Elland Road on August 17, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
PHOTO: LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Joe Rodon poses for photos after signing a contract extension for Leeds United at Elland Road on August 17, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
Attacking Accuracy
Leeds must continue their approach to attack that they had last season, with The Whites having 302 shots and exactly half of them were on target.
If they keep up the accuracy, Leeds should face little issue going up against Glasner's famous back three, especially with Calvert-Lewin leading a smart and focused attack.
The Whites should be looking to assert themselves on the pitch from early on into the game, amounting pressure on the defence before exploiting any gaps to create goal scoring opportunities. If they take advantage of Forest’s flaws, Leeds should have no problem finding the back of the net.