Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview
Nottingham Forest
Leeds UnitedMatch events
Match statistics: Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
💡 Match preview Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
By Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
A quick rematch is on the cards, and the stakes have shifted. Just days after Leeds edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the league, the Carabao Cup draw has handed the Tricky Trees an immediate chance to settle the score. Can Oliver Glasner swiftly correct his side’s shortcomings and deliver a revenge blow to Daniel Farke in front of the home crowd at the City Ground?
Tactical Analysis: Nottingham Forest
Forest’s summer preparations were encouraging, with convincing wins over Bayer Leverkusen (2-1) and Brest (2-0) in pre-season. Yet the official start of the campaign brought little cheer. In the first league match against the very same Leeds, both teams served up a drab, low‑intensity affair with barely any cutting edge. The combined expected goals (xG) barely scraped past the 1.0 mark – 0.66 for Forest, 0.47 for Leeds – and the game was decided by a single moment: a long‑range free‑kick from Anton Stach that crept in, helped by a clear error from Mats Selz.
The League Cup is a peculiar beast. It kicks off at the very beginning of the season, when sides are still finding their rhythm, and Forest have rarely made a deep run. Over the last decade, they’ve only advanced beyond the third round twice: reaching the fourth round in 2018 and the semi‑finals in 2022/23. With a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool looming on 29 August, the coaching staff will almost certainly field a heavily rotated or even a second‑string lineup for this cup tie to keep key players fresh.
Tactical Analysis: Leeds United
Leeds, meanwhile, are serious about making a strong push this season. Their pre‑season form hinted at it – they gave top clubs a real headache, beating Liverpool 4‑2 and drawing 1‑1 with Manchester United. That promise carried over into the first league game. Winning away at Nottingham is doubly significant when you consider that last term the Yorkshire side managed only two league victories on the road across the entire campaign. To open the season with an away win already underlines their growing ambition.
Like their opponents, Leeds rarely go deep in the League Cup. Their last notable run was back in 2016/17, when they reached the quarter‑finals. Last season, with survival in the Premier League the absolute priority, they exited at the first hurdle, suffering a shock penalty‑shootout loss to Sheffield Wednesday (1‑1, 0‑3 on penalties). With a packed Premier League schedule, the hierarchy of priorities for Farke’s men is unlikely to have shifted dramatically.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest (3‑4‑3): Victor – Abbott, Milenkovic, Diomande – Aina, Schlageter, Dominguez, Netz – Bakwa, Wood, Hudson‑Odoi Unavailable: Savona, Yates (both injured) Head coach: Oliver Glasner
Leeds United (3‑4‑2‑1): Perry – Elvedi, Bijol, Muharemovic – Justin, Tanaka, Longstaff, Biraam – Aaronson, Okafor – Nmecha Unavailable: Gudmundsson, Gnonto, Joseph (all injured) Head coach: Daniel Farke
Referee
Andrew Kitchen takes charge. By English standards, he is an exceptionally lenient official. Over 32 matches last season, he averaged just 20.56 fouls per game and showed only 2.94 yellow cards. Severe punishments are rare too: in that span he sent off just three players and awarded seven penalties.
Prediction and Bet
Main pick: Leeds not to lose at 1.72
The psychological edge sits firmly with the visitors. Only a few days ago, Leeds already took three points from the City Ground (1‑0), reaffirming their status as a particularly awkward opponent for Forest – the Peacocks have now won four of the last five head‑to‑head meetings. The fixture calendar also favours the away side. Forest have a gruelling trip to Liverpool on 29 August, making squad rotation and resource management essential. Leeds, by contrast, play a day later, at home, against a less formidable opponent in Brentford. A swift home revenge seems unlikely. Our call: Leeds avoid defeat.
Total pick: Under 2.5 goals at 1.98
Don’t expect a goal‑fest. The two sides showed exactly what they are capable of in attack just days ago: a sluggish, low‑threat game that ended 1‑0, with a combined total of only five shots on target. It’s hard to see radical changes in such a short time, especially with cup rotations likely. The low‑scoring trend is backed by recent form: in four of Forest’s last five matches, no more than two goals were scored, and the same applied to four of Leeds’ previous six outings. We back under 2.5 goals.
Dele Lawal is a football expert who has spent many years analyzing tournaments such as the EFL Cup, FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Russian Super Cup. His analysis emphasizes current form, lineups, key statistics like expected goals and shots on target, and the impact of coaching decisions and fixture schedules. He maintains a disciplined, data-oriented approach to prediction, avoiding emotional bias and focusing on underlying performance indicators.
All articles by this author →The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Probable lineups: Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Nottingham Forest3-4-3Leeds United3-4-2-1Match odds Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Result (1X2)
Double chance
Both teams to score
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Under
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To qualify
Predictions for Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
The EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United sets up perfectly for goals. Both sides will go all out for the win in this knockout match, which should lead to an open game. The last meeting ended 0-1 to Leeds, but Forest matched them well and deserved a goal on that day.
I'm backing over 2 total goals here. The price at 1.48 offers solid value for a bet that looks very likely to land in what should be a competitive contest.
Over 2.5 goals is the pick here. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United both have a habit of scoring and conceding at a high rate, so a match with at least three goals feels like the natural outcome in this EFL Cup clash.
Leeds United will make it two in a row against Nottingham Forest. They already handled this opponent a few days ago, and I see no reason for a different result here. Another win for the visitors at 3.20.
Leeds United are clearly the side with the better chance of winning this EFL Cup tie. That's why I'm backing them with a handicap (0) at 2.38 — a straightforward bet on them to avoid defeat.
Nottingham Forest face Leeds United in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing the hosts to avoid defeat. Forest are the stronger side on paper and should have enough quality to get the job done at home. With the handicap set at zero, my stake is safe as long as they don’t lose, and I’m confident they’ll either win or at least hold Leeds to a draw.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United managed just one goal between them in their league clash. The EFL Cup tie is sure to be a far more open affair. Over 2.5 goals at 1.96 is my bet.
Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds United in the EFL Cup doesn’t exactly promise a goal fest. I’m taking under 2.5 at 1.84 — and if you want a livelier alternative, backing Leeds to find the net is a fair shout too.
Leeds are the side to watch here, and I expect them to make a real statement. Forest might chip in with a goal or two themselves, but it’s the visitors who’ll dictate the rhythm and break through the hosts’ defence — likely more than once. The price on Leeds over 1.5 goals is well worth taking, because this is exactly the kind of match where the underdog grabs the spotlight.
Nottingham Forest made a few mistakes in their last match, but they’ll fix that today. At home in the EFL Cup against Leeds United, I’m backing them to get the win. The odds at 2.21 look solid for a confident bounce-back performance.
Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds United in the EFL Cup – I'm backing the hosts to get the job done at home. The 2.19 odds on a home win look like a solid play given the matchup.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United face off in the EFL Cup, and I’m betting this will be a low-scoring affair. Expect both sides to struggle finding the back of the net frequently, so the under 2.5 goals line at 1.84 looks like the smart play here. There’s little reason to anticipate a goal-fest in this matchup.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds are evenly matched on paper, but I'm giving the edge to the visitors in this EFL Cup tie. A Leeds win at 3.52 is the pick.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and the value is clearly on the hosts. Forest should have the edge at home, so I'm backing the home win at 2.16.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United face off again in the EFL Cup, and their most recent direct clash already settled the question of who looks sharper this season. Leeds came out on top that day, and I’m backing them to qualify here at 2.21.
I’m backing Under 2.5 yellow cards in this EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. These two just faced each other in league action, and that match produced only three bookings. In a cup setting, I expect the physical intensity and the referee’s whistle to be even more restrained. At 2.30, this priced-up line looks like solid value.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and this match screams a defensive battle. Both sides will prioritize not conceding, which naturally points to a low-scoring affair. I'm backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.80, as the setup strongly favors a tight, cautious game with few chances.
This EFL Cup clash is about righting a wrong. In my view, the last Premier League meeting between these sides produced a scoreline that didn't reflect the balance of play. Nottingham Forest deserved more from that outing, and I'm backing them to correct that here. They have a genuine chance to prove a point on their own turf.
The odds of 2.20 on a home win simply look too generous given the narrative. Forest are the stronger side and have the added motivation of avenging an unjust result. I’m taking the win for the hosts.
Nottingham Forest have been looking sharp, so I’m backing them to get the job done here. Leeds United will be no pushover, but at these odds, the home win feels like the value play.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United met just recently and produced a dull, low-scoring affair with only a single goal. That kind of display points to another tight, cautious matchup in the EFL Cup. I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.83—the pattern suggests we won’t see a flurry of scoring here.
Leeds United have the edge when it comes to cup football, and that should carry them past Nottingham Forest in this EFL Cup tie. The visitors look well placed to keep progressing through the bracket, so the 2.21 on them to qualify is the right call.
Nottingham Forest's home matches have been consistently low-scoring — eight of their last nine at the City Ground finished with under 2.5 goals. That's a reliable pattern to lean on, so I'm taking the under again for this EFL Cup clash with Leeds United.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are meeting in the EFL Cup, and I’m not expecting a goal fest here. Both sides tend to shut things down rather than go all-out attacking, which makes the under 2.5 market look like the smart play.
The way these two set up, it’s hard to see this turning into an open, high‑scoring affair. Defensive discipline should keep the total low, so backing under 2.5 goals at 1.83 feels like the right call.
It’s the EFL Cup, and that’s the kind of competition where defences tend to take a back seat. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will both be keen to avoid extra time, so I expect the second half to open up even more. Over 1.5 goals in the second period at 2.20 looks like a solid bet — cup football usually delivers the goods when it comes to attacking intent.
In the EFL Cup meeting between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, I fully expect both sides to get on the scoresheet. I’m backing the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” market at 1.75, and here’s why I’m so confident.
The nature of this cup tie points strongly toward goals at both ends. Each team possesses enough attacking quality to breach the other’s defense, while neither side enters the match with a reputation for tight, clean sheets. With that combination, the odds look appealing for this outcome.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and I don't see this one producing a flurry of corners. The total is set at 9.5, and at odds of 1.95, I'm backing the under. Neither side is likely to force many set pieces from wide areas, so expect a quiet match from the corner flag.
Nottingham Forest will crush Leeds United in this EFL Cup tie. A comprehensive home win is on the cards, and at 2.16 the price offers real value. I have no doubt about it.
Leeds United have been grinding out tight, low-scoring contests — especially in cup competitions. That pattern makes me confident they'll fail to find the net here, so I'm backing them under 0.5 goals at 2.79.
This EFL Cup tie between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United looks like a match that could swing wildly in one direction — either a goal-fest or a total blank in the first half. I'm siding with the blanks, backing under 0.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes at 2.84.
Nottingham Forest arrive in good spirits, and that momentum is exactly what I'm backing here. Against Leeds in the EFL Cup, the hosts look well placed to take control early and turn that positive run into a result in front of their own fans. The price at 2.18 is a fair reflection, and I'm taking the home win with confidence.
Nottingham Forest have a score to settle, and Leeds United are the perfect opponent to take it out on. The EFL Cup draw has handed them the very side that humiliated them, and I’m backing the hosts to make a statement. At 2.18, the price on a Forest win is too good to pass up.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United look set for a scrappy contest, but I’m backing plenty of goals to go in. The bet is over 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.98.
Nottingham Forest at home to Leeds United in the EFL Cup — I’m backing the hosts to get the job done. Forest have the quality to control this tie, and at odds of 2.20, the value is clearly on a home win.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United just went toe-to-toe in the Premier League, and the hosts came away feeling unlucky. Those wounds are still fresh, so I expect a massive revenge factor here. Forest will be desperate to settle the score, and at 2.20, backing them to win outright is the clear play.
Nottingham Forest have a proven track record against Leeds United. I’m backing them to win this EFL Cup tie at home.
Over 2.5 goals is the play for Nottingham Forest versus Leeds United in the EFL Cup. I'm backing this outcome at odds of 1.98.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in the EFL Cup — this one’s screaming for a clean sheet on one side. Only one team finds the net here, no doubt about it. There’s a red card coming in this match too.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United just faced off in the league, and that match ended in a tight 1-0 win for Leeds with no real goal-fest. I expect more of the same here in the EFL Cup.
Even with squad rotation likely, the core playing styles won't change. This should be another gritty, low-scoring battle, so I'm backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.92.
In this EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, I like the chances of at least two goals landing in the first half. The market line at 2.71 is generous for a setup that should see both sides pushing early without the usual caution.
The two teams have every reason to go for it from the whistle, which sets up well for an open first 45 minutes. I’m backing Over 1.5 in the first half here.
Let’s be real — Nottingham Forest has defensive issues, especially on home turf, so I back Leeds to score at least two goals here. The odds at 2.65 are more than fair for a side that can absolutely find the net twice in this League Cup matchup.
The EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United is set up for goals. I expect both sides to find the net regularly, so my bet goes on Over 3.5 goals at 2.96 – the attacking quality on display should push the total past that mark.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Leeds United will make it two in a row against Nottingham Forest. They already handled this opponent a few days ago, and I see no reason for a different result here. Another win for the visitors at 3.20.
Nottingham Forest made a few mistakes in their last match, but they’ll fix that today. At home in the EFL Cup against Leeds United, I’m backing them to get the win. The odds at 2.21 look solid for a confident bounce-back performance.
Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds United in the EFL Cup – I'm backing the hosts to get the job done at home. The 2.19 odds on a home win look like a solid play given the matchup.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds are evenly matched on paper, but I'm giving the edge to the visitors in this EFL Cup tie. A Leeds win at 3.52 is the pick.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and the value is clearly on the hosts. Forest should have the edge at home, so I'm backing the home win at 2.16.
This EFL Cup clash is about righting a wrong. In my view, the last Premier League meeting between these sides produced a scoreline that didn't reflect the balance of play. Nottingham Forest deserved more from that outing, and I'm backing them to correct that here. They have a genuine chance to prove a point on their own turf.
The odds of 2.20 on a home win simply look too generous given the narrative. Forest are the stronger side and have the added motivation of avenging an unjust result. I’m taking the win for the hosts.
Nottingham Forest have been looking sharp, so I’m backing them to get the job done here. Leeds United will be no pushover, but at these odds, the home win feels like the value play.
Nottingham Forest will crush Leeds United in this EFL Cup tie. A comprehensive home win is on the cards, and at 2.16 the price offers real value. I have no doubt about it.
Nottingham Forest arrive in good spirits, and that momentum is exactly what I'm backing here. Against Leeds in the EFL Cup, the hosts look well placed to take control early and turn that positive run into a result in front of their own fans. The price at 2.18 is a fair reflection, and I'm taking the home win with confidence.
Nottingham Forest have a score to settle, and Leeds United are the perfect opponent to take it out on. The EFL Cup draw has handed them the very side that humiliated them, and I’m backing the hosts to make a statement. At 2.18, the price on a Forest win is too good to pass up.
Nottingham Forest at home to Leeds United in the EFL Cup — I’m backing the hosts to get the job done. Forest have the quality to control this tie, and at odds of 2.20, the value is clearly on a home win.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United just went toe-to-toe in the Premier League, and the hosts came away feeling unlucky. Those wounds are still fresh, so I expect a massive revenge factor here. Forest will be desperate to settle the score, and at 2.20, backing them to win outright is the clear play.
Nottingham Forest have a proven track record against Leeds United. I’m backing them to win this EFL Cup tie at home.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
The EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United sets up perfectly for goals. Both sides will go all out for the win in this knockout match, which should lead to an open game. The last meeting ended 0-1 to Leeds, but Forest matched them well and deserved a goal on that day.
I'm backing over 2 total goals here. The price at 1.48 offers solid value for a bet that looks very likely to land in what should be a competitive contest.
Over 2.5 goals is the pick here. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United both have a habit of scoring and conceding at a high rate, so a match with at least three goals feels like the natural outcome in this EFL Cup clash.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United managed just one goal between them in their league clash. The EFL Cup tie is sure to be a far more open affair. Over 2.5 goals at 1.96 is my bet.
Leeds are the side to watch here, and I expect them to make a real statement. Forest might chip in with a goal or two themselves, but it’s the visitors who’ll dictate the rhythm and break through the hosts’ defence — likely more than once. The price on Leeds over 1.5 goals is well worth taking, because this is exactly the kind of match where the underdog grabs the spotlight.
It’s the EFL Cup, and that’s the kind of competition where defences tend to take a back seat. Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will both be keen to avoid extra time, so I expect the second half to open up even more. Over 1.5 goals in the second period at 2.20 looks like a solid bet — cup football usually delivers the goods when it comes to attacking intent.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United look set for a scrappy contest, but I’m backing plenty of goals to go in. The bet is over 2.5 total goals at odds of 1.98.
Over 2.5 goals is the play for Nottingham Forest versus Leeds United in the EFL Cup. I'm backing this outcome at odds of 1.98.
In this EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, I like the chances of at least two goals landing in the first half. The market line at 2.71 is generous for a setup that should see both sides pushing early without the usual caution.
The two teams have every reason to go for it from the whistle, which sets up well for an open first 45 minutes. I’m backing Over 1.5 in the first half here.
Let’s be real — Nottingham Forest has defensive issues, especially on home turf, so I back Leeds to score at least two goals here. The odds at 2.65 are more than fair for a side that can absolutely find the net twice in this League Cup matchup.
The EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United is set up for goals. I expect both sides to find the net regularly, so my bet goes on Over 3.5 goals at 2.96 – the attacking quality on display should push the total past that mark.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Nottingham Forest hosting Leeds United in the EFL Cup doesn’t exactly promise a goal fest. I’m taking under 2.5 at 1.84 — and if you want a livelier alternative, backing Leeds to find the net is a fair shout too.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United face off in the EFL Cup, and I’m betting this will be a low-scoring affair. Expect both sides to struggle finding the back of the net frequently, so the under 2.5 goals line at 1.84 looks like the smart play here. There’s little reason to anticipate a goal-fest in this matchup.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and this match screams a defensive battle. Both sides will prioritize not conceding, which naturally points to a low-scoring affair. I'm backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.80, as the setup strongly favors a tight, cautious game with few chances.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United met just recently and produced a dull, low-scoring affair with only a single goal. That kind of display points to another tight, cautious matchup in the EFL Cup. I’m backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.83—the pattern suggests we won’t see a flurry of scoring here.
Nottingham Forest's home matches have been consistently low-scoring — eight of their last nine at the City Ground finished with under 2.5 goals. That's a reliable pattern to lean on, so I'm taking the under again for this EFL Cup clash with Leeds United.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are meeting in the EFL Cup, and I’m not expecting a goal fest here. Both sides tend to shut things down rather than go all-out attacking, which makes the under 2.5 market look like the smart play.
The way these two set up, it’s hard to see this turning into an open, high‑scoring affair. Defensive discipline should keep the total low, so backing under 2.5 goals at 1.83 feels like the right call.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United meet in the EFL Cup, and I don't see this one producing a flurry of corners. The total is set at 9.5, and at odds of 1.95, I'm backing the under. Neither side is likely to force many set pieces from wide areas, so expect a quiet match from the corner flag.
Leeds United have been grinding out tight, low-scoring contests — especially in cup competitions. That pattern makes me confident they'll fail to find the net here, so I'm backing them under 0.5 goals at 2.79.
This EFL Cup tie between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United looks like a match that could swing wildly in one direction — either a goal-fest or a total blank in the first half. I'm siding with the blanks, backing under 0.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes at 2.84.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United just faced off in the league, and that match ended in a tight 1-0 win for Leeds with no real goal-fest. I expect more of the same here in the EFL Cup.
Even with squad rotation likely, the core playing styles won't change. This should be another gritty, low-scoring battle, so I'm backing Under 2.5 goals at 1.92.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Leeds United are clearly the side with the better chance of winning this EFL Cup tie. That's why I'm backing them with a handicap (0) at 2.38 — a straightforward bet on them to avoid defeat.
Nottingham Forest face Leeds United in the EFL Cup, and I’m backing the hosts to avoid defeat. Forest are the stronger side on paper and should have enough quality to get the job done at home. With the handicap set at zero, my stake is safe as long as they don’t lose, and I’m confident they’ll either win or at least hold Leeds to a draw.
Both teams to score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
In the EFL Cup meeting between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United, I fully expect both sides to get on the scoresheet. I’m backing the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” market at 1.75, and here’s why I’m so confident.
The nature of this cup tie points strongly toward goals at both ends. Each team possesses enough attacking quality to breach the other’s defense, while neither side enters the match with a reputation for tight, clean sheets. With that combination, the odds look appealing for this outcome.
Nottingham Forest and Leeds United in the EFL Cup — this one’s screaming for a clean sheet on one side. Only one team finds the net here, no doubt about it. There’s a red card coming in this match too.
Yellow cards: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
I’m backing Under 2.5 yellow cards in this EFL Cup clash between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United. These two just faced each other in league action, and that match produced only three bookings. In a cup setting, I expect the physical intensity and the referee’s whistle to be even more restrained. At 2.30, this priced-up line looks like solid value.
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United EFL Cup match?
The match is on 25 August 2026 at 20:00 at the City Ground in Nottingham.
What is the main betting pick for this match?
The main pick is Leeds not to lose at odds of 1.72.
Who is the favorite according to the preview?
Leeds United are favored, as they recently beat Forest 1-0 at the City Ground and have won four of the last five head-to-head meetings.
Are there any key injuries for either team?
Yes, Nottingham Forest are without Savona and Yates due to injury, while Leeds United are missing Gudmundsson, Gnonto, and Joseph.
What is the total goals prediction?
The prediction is under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.98, based on the low-scoring trend from recent matches.
Why might Nottingham Forest rotate their squad?
Forest have a tough Premier League match against Liverpool on 29 August, so they are likely to field a rotated lineup to keep key players fresh.
