Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
8th February 1730hrs
Football – England – EFL Championship
Pick 2-2 Draw
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: 14/1 odds taken 1330 GMT, Friday 7 February
Two big hitters in the EFL Championship meet this weekend, as Sabri Lamouchi’s Nottingham Forest and Leeds United do battle at the City Ground in Saturday’s late game. Forest have closed the gap on Leeds to just four points, so this is a huge fixture for the pair. Can the Reds go one point behind the Whites in the Championship table?
Table of Contents
Nottingham Forest Preview – Can Lamouchi’s Reds get back to winning ways?
After a stunning win at fellow promotion rivals Brentford, Sabri Lamouchi’s Nottingham Forest fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrew’s last time out. Nevertheless, that was the Reds’ first Championship reverse since losing to Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium on December 21st.
With 16 games left to play, Nottingham Forest are in a great position in the Championship table. Ahead of this round of fixtures, Forest find themselves in fourth spot, just four points behind second-place Leeds. Three points this weekend will close the gap to a single point.
Lamouchi has been a big hit with the Forest fans since his arrival in the summer, guiding the club to an impressive 14 wins from 30 Championship matches. The Reds have been beaten just seven times, with only current leaders West Bromwich Albion losing fewer.
Nottingham Forest have been excellent at home in recent weeks. Since losing 4-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in December, Forest are undefeated in four, winning three and drawing one. Can they get past Leeds at the City Ground this weekend?
Leeds United Preview – Will Bielsa’s boys strike back with a vital victory on the road?
Leeds United head to the City Ground having won only two of their past nine in the Championship. Last weekend, the Whites were beaten at home by lowly Wigan Athletic, which was their third loss in four league games. With West Brom beating Luton Town, Leeds dropped to second.
Marcelo Bielsa’s troops look nailed on for a top two finish this season, but they have had a dreadful start to 2020. Since beating Hull City 2-0 Elland Road in December, which was their seventh straight league win, the Yorkshire side have taken just nine points from the last 27 on offer.
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Despite their poor form, Leeds remain one of the strongest away sides in the division. United have picked up eight wins from 15 away matches, with just West Brom and Bristol City picking up more away points up until now. Leeds will be desperate for all three points on the road this Saturday.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Betting Advice
Three of the last four meetings between Nottingham Forest and Leeds have ended level, including the reverse match at Elland Road in August. Lewis Grabban’s late equaliser cancelled out Pablo Hernandez’s opener. Last season, Forest thumped United 4-2 at the City Ground.
Key Facts – Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United Betting Tip
- Forest have taken ten points from their last four home games
- Leeds have won just one of their last five in the Championship
- United have lost three of their past four in league action
Nottingham Forest are certainly the team with the momentum, but Leeds are still a dangerous side. I can see the pair playing out an entertaining stalemate in the East Midlands. The 2-2 draw is available at the very tempting price of 14/1.
Veteran Lewis Grabban has scored an impressive 13 Championship goals this term, with one of those coming at Elland Road earlier in the campaign. You can get the Forest No. 7 at 7/4 to net anytime in this one.
The best betting odds for Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United
Nottingham Forest to win: 29/10 at Bet365
Draw: 5/2 at Bet365
Leeds United to win: 19/20 at Bet365
