Leeds vs Nottingham Forest Prediction: Flurry of goals at Elland Road expected

Leeds United and Nottingham Forest meet at Elland Road on Friday (20:00 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event) in the Premier League and it feels like a big game for both sides. They both sit on 26 points and are currently six points above West Ham United, who are in the relegation zone.

With the Irons showing improvement in recent weeks, these two teams are looking over their shoulders. Below you will find my Leeds vs Nottingham Forest predictions, alongside the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Leeds boss Daniel Farke is having to manage without Jaka Bijol (hamstring), Daniel James (hamstring) and Lukas Nmecha (thigh) due to injury. All three are hoped to be back in contention in the coming weeks, though.

The Whites went extra defensive against Arsenal last weekend but it didn't pay off as they lost 4-0. Farke may go more attack-minded on this occasion, so Noah Okafor could be restored to bolster the attack.

Premier League Odds

With goalkeepers John Victor (knee), Matz Sels (muscle) out of action for Nottingham Forest, Stefan Ortega is in line to make his debut for the club after joining from Manchester City.

Nicolo Savona, Chris Wood (both knee) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (shoulder) are the other absentees in Sean Dyche's side due to injury. Neco Williams serves the first of a three-game suspension for his sending off against Crystal Palace last weekend, so adjustments to the back line will need to be made.

Today's Football Fixtures

Leeds vs Nottingham Forest Odds

Leeds have won four of their last eight home games in the top flight and they are 6/5 to bounce back with three points on Friday.

Six of the Whites' past 10 appearances in the league have ended in a draw, and the stalemate is available at 12/5 (implied probability of 29.4%).

Forest have won their previous two away trips in the Premier League and they are 12/5 to emerge victorious.

Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the 5/4 favourite to score anytime, and he will be hoping to end his three-game drought in the league.

Match Result - Draw @ 12/5

With West Ham looking like they are starting to turn their fortunes around, these two sides are looking to put as much distance between them and the Irons as possible.

The only thing separating Leeds and Forest coming into the weekend is goal difference. This will be perceived as a must-win clash for both sides as they look to avoid being pulled into the thick of the relegation battle.

Leeds may be reeling from last week's heavy defeat at home to Arsenal, while Forest may be sensing an opportunity because of that. The Tricky Trees are unbeaten in four league matches, having won their two latest road trips at West Ham and Brentford.

However, Leeds have been very strong at Elland Road in recent months. The hosts have lost just one of their previous six appearances here in the Premier League, and no one will really begrudge them for losing to the league leaders.

Forest should be a much more manageable task for them, but again, it won't be easy.

Both sides have something to offer here, so I think they will end up cancelling each other out.

Total Goals - Over 3.5 @ 5/2

I may be sitting on the fence with a draw, but by no means am I anticipating a dull affair in West Yorkshire. I'm gunning for goals and I was surprised to see over 3.5 goals priced at 5/2.

This seems like great value to me because it has been a common trend at Elland Road recently. At least four goals have been scored in four of Leeds' past six league outings on home soil and the reverse fixture against Forest at the City Ground back in November finished 3-1 to the Tricky Trees.

Both teams have capable goalscorers in their ranks, with Leeds having Calvert-Lewin and Forest boasting Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White. Each of them can play their part in helping goals to rain down in LS11.

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