Leeds and Nottingham Forest Continue Fight for Premier League Lives

Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest

Leeds United have 10 games left to save their Premier League lives. And the Whites are set to play perhaps their most winnable game left as they host another relegation-threatened side – Nottingham Forest – at Elland Road.

The Trees currently sit in 14^th place in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Leeds and two points clear of the relegation zone.

But the Premier League 2023 betting odds will back the Whites to get the much-needed home win in this relegation six-pointer.

Talking Points

Leeds’ unconventional lineup gets smashed by Gunners

After entering the international break with a thrilling 4-2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds were on the wrong end of another high-scoring affair as they were rocked 4-1 by Premier League leaders Arsenal. The Whites were simply outclassed by the Gunners, who had too much attacking quality in their ranks.

Leeds boss Javi Gracia surprised many with his unconventional 4-3-3 formation which saw Brenden Aaronson as a false nine. Meanwhile, winger Jack Harrison and full-back Rasmus Kristensen comprised two-thirds of a midfield three.

This was despite having Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter, and Rodrigo all available to play at centre-forward, while central midfielder Weston McKennie was also on the bench.

But with Leeds likely to be on the front foot at home against Forest, Gracia is expected to return to a more straightforward starting XI.

That should spell the return of a nominal centre-forward to lead the Leeds attack. Bamford had started the previous two games and was seemingly getting back to form, although Rodrigo remains Leeds’ leading scorer with 11 Premier League goals.

Kristensen was one of the main bright spots for Leeds against Arsenal and may have done enough to earn another start at central midfield after scoring for the second game in a row. But with Luke Ayling in poor form, the Dane may be deployed at right-back, with McKennie or Tyler Adams possibly partnering Marc Roca in midfield.

Nottingham Forest keep dropping valuable points

Nottingham Forest missed another big chance to pick up some valuable points as they drew 1-1 at home with Wolves last time out. The Trees surrendered a Daniel Podence equaliser seven minutes from time after Brennan Johnson put them ahead in the first half.

That comes on the heels of Forest’s heartbreaking 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle before the international break. Alexander Isak scored a brace, including the winning penalty in the 93rd minute, to complete the comeback.

After those two disappointing Premier League 2023 results, Forest have now gone winless in their last seven matches, with three draws and four defeats.

Brennan Johnson has been brilliant for Forest; he’s the team’s leading scorer with 8 goals, three of which have come in his last four games. But he has had precious little support as Forest remain tied for the second to last in scoring with just 23 goals all season. Winter signing Chris Wood has been ruled out for the rest of the season after his thigh injury against Tottenham.

However, Taiwo Awoniyi finally made his long-awaited return from injury against Wolves. Awoniyi is the team’s second-leading scorer with 4 goals and should add a much-needed attacking threat off the bench.

History

Leeds and Nottingham Forest faced off for the first time in the Premier League in the 21st century when they met back in February. Forest won that match 1-0 thanks to an early Brennan Johnson goal.

That win furthered Forest’s run of dominance against Leeds dating back to their days in the Championship. The Reds have now won eight of their last 16 matches against the Whites, with six draws and just two defeats.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Leeds United installed as significant 1.78 favourites to get the crucial win at home. Nottingham Forest are priced at 4.20, while a draw is 3.35.

This is without question a huge match for both clubs, but Leeds are especially in need of all three points seeing as this is one of the most winnable matches they have left on their schedule.

After his changes against Arsenal, look for Javi Gracia to revert to a more usual starting XI against Nottingham Forest, and expect that Leeds lineup to deliver enough energy and effort to get the crucial home win.

 

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