Nottingham Forest begin the Oliver Glasner era against Leeds United at the City Ground on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
Forest enter their fifth consecutive Premier League season with a new head coach following Vítor Pereira’s departure.
Leeds begin another campaign under Daniel Farke after successfully retaining their Premier League place last season.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United preview and prediction
Both teams begin the season looking to build on encouraging finishes to the previous campaign.
Forest recovered from relegation danger during the closing months, putting together an impressive unbeaten run that secured their Premier League status.
Leeds also achieved their primary objective by surviving their first season back in the division.
The Whites now return to the City Ground aiming to demonstrate that they can progress beyond another battle for survival.
A new era begins at Nottingham Forest
Forest appointed Glasner as head coach in July following Pereira’s departure.
The former Crystal Palace manager arrives with considerable Premier League experience and a record of success in cup competitions.
Glasner generally prefers a three-defender system supported by aggressive wing-backs. His teams defend compactly, apply pressure in midfield and attack quickly after regaining possession.
That approach should suit several players already in the Forest squad.
Morgan Gibbs-White finished as the club’s leading Premier League scorer last season with 15 goals. His ability to receive possession between the lines and carry the ball towards goal should remain central to Forest’s attack.
Glasner must now establish his methods during a shortened pre-season affected by the 2026 World Cup.
The opening match will provide the first competitive indication of how quickly the players have adapted.
Leeds look to build on survival
Leeds begin their fourth season under Farke with greater Premier League experience throughout the squad.
Remaining in the division last season represented an important achievement, particularly given the difficulties promoted clubs have experienced in recent campaigns.
The next challenge is progression.
Leeds must become more consistent away from Elland Road and find ways to control matches when opponents attempt to attack them through transitions.
Captain Ethan Ampadu will be important in that effort. His positioning and defensive awareness provide protection in front of the back line, while his passing helps Leeds begin attacks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin gives the visitors a physical presence in the penalty area. Forest’s centre-backs must compete with him for crosses while remaining alert to Leeds runners collecting second balls.
The tactical contest
This could become an intense match built around transitions rather than long periods of controlled possession.
Forest are likely to defend in a compact shape before attempting to release Gibbs-White and their wide players into the spaces behind Leeds.
Glasner’s wing-backs could become particularly important.
If they push forward successfully, Forest can stretch the Leeds defence and create additional space through central areas. However, advancing both wing-backs may also leave opportunities for Leeds to counterattack.
Farke’s side will look to move the ball quickly into wide positions and deliver crosses towards Calvert-Lewin.
Forest must prevent Leeds from establishing sustained pressure around their penalty area, particularly if the visitors begin winning second balls.
The midfield battle could ultimately determine which team controls the tempo.
Players to watch
Gibbs-White remains Forest’s most influential attacking player.
His 15 Premier League goals last season demonstrated his growing importance in the final third. Leeds must restrict the space available to him between midfield and defence.
Elliot Anderson can also play an important role through his energy, ball carrying and ability to support attacks from midfield.
Ampadu will be central to Leeds’ structure.
The captain must help his team disrupt Forest’s transitions while moving possession forward accurately. Calvert-Lewin will provide the main target when Leeds attack through crosses and direct passes.
Leeds won the previous meeting
Leeds defeated Forest at Elland Road during the previous Premier League season.
That result should give Farke’s team confidence, although the tactical picture has changed following Glasner’s appointment.
Forest will also have home advantage this time, making another comfortable Leeds victory less likely.
Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United probability prediction
The probability graphic provides a simple prediction for the three possible outcomes.
Insert the Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United probability graphic here.
The percentages show the predicted likelihood of a Nottingham Forest victory, a draw or a Leeds United win.
Score prediction
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Leeds United
Forest should benefit from home advantage and the energy surrounding Glasner’s first competitive match.
Leeds have enough Premier League experience and attacking threat to make this a difficult opening fixture.
Neither side appears to hold a decisive advantage, making a closely contested draw the most reasonable prediction.
