The historic City Ground is the venue for a crucial Premier League relegation six-pointer as Nottingham Forest host fierce rivals Leeds United for this Matchday 11 fixture. Forest, under new manager Sean Dyche, are currently languishing in the relegation zone, winless in their last nine league games. They face a Leeds United side who sit just above the drop zone but have struggled significantly with their away form this season. This high-stakes clash pits Forest’s desperate need for a first home league win under Dyche and their formidable historical City Ground record against Leeds’ desire to create vital distance from the bottom three. The result of this tense affair will have major implications for the relegation battle.
Match Details
This Sunday afternoon fixture is a crucial battle at the bottom of the table, with both teams needing a win to spark a turnaround in their season.
DetailInformationCompetitionPremier League – Matchday 11DateSunday, November 9, 2025Kick-off2:00 PM GMTVenueThe City Ground, Nottingham, England
Team Form and Analysis for Nottingham Forest
Domestic Form and European Performance
Nottingham Forest are in a disastrous run of form, currently sitting in 19th position in the Premier League table with just 6 points from 10 matches. Their record stands at one win, three draws, and six defeats.
The Tricky Trees are currently winless in their last nine Premier League matches, a run which led to the recent appointment of manager Sean Dyche. Dyche is still searching for his first league victory, having overseen a 2-0 loss and a promising 2-2 draw against Manchester United in his first two league games. They were also held to a 0-0 draw by Sturm Graz in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, adding to potential squad fatigue. Crucially, Forest can draw on a formidable historical home record against Leeds, being unbeaten in their last 13 top-flight home games against them, a run stretching back to 1971. Their primary challenge for this match is a severe injury and suspension crisis in attack, with key forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood, along with midfielder Douglas Luiz, all ruled out.
Key Player: Morgan Gibbs-White
Attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is the creative and emotional heart of the Nottingham Forest side and their all-time Premier League goal involvement leader. With the club’s striking options severely depleted due to injury and suspension, Gibbs-White may be forced to play in a makeshift “false nine” role. His influence, technical ability, and desire to pull the team out of the relegation zone will be paramount. Having recently scored in the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, his performance will be essential for creating and finishing any chances against the visitors.
Team Form and Analysis for Leeds United
Domestic Form and Season Performance
Leeds United, a newly promoted side, are also struggling near the bottom of the table, currently occupying 16th position in the Premier League with 11 points from 10 matches. Their record comprises three wins, two draws, and five defeats.
The Whites arrive at the City Ground desperate to bounce back from a comprehensive 3-0 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in their last league outing. Manager Daniel Farke has seen his side’s away form derail their season; Leeds have lost four of their five away league games this season, conceding 12 goals on the road. The only exception was a win against bottom-side Wolves. However, they secured a massive 2-1 home victory over West Ham United in their last home game, highlighting their ability to compete when confidence is high. Leeds will rely on their high-energy press and midfield control to take advantage of Forest’s injury woes and try to register a crucial, rare away win.
Key Player: Ethan Ampadu
Captain Ethan Ampadu is the driving force in the heart of the Leeds United midfield. The versatile Welsh international provides a vital link between defence and attack, and his leadership and intensity will be key in a high-pressure relegation encounter. Ampadu’s ability to win tackles, maintain possession, and set the tempo will be crucial for Leeds to gain control in the centre of the pitch and prevent the Forest wide players from dominating the flanks. His battle with Morgan Gibbs-White and Ryan Yates will be the most significant midfield dual of the match.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head history is generally even, but the long-standing record at the City Ground strongly favours the home side.
MetricNottingham Forest WinsDrawsLeeds United WinsTotal Premier League Meetings332Forest Home Top-Flight Unbeaten Run13 matches (since 1971)Most Recent Result (Apr 2023)Leeds United 2-1 Nottingham Forest (A)
Historically, the overall record is tight, with Forest slightly ahead in competitive wins (32 vs 30). The City Ground has been a true fortress in this fixture, with Nottingham Forest unbeaten in their last 13 top-flight home matches against Leeds United, a run stretching all the way back to 1971. The last Premier League meeting at the City Ground ended in a 1-0 victory for Forest in February 2023. However, Leeds won the most recent clash, a 2-1 victory at Elland Road in April 2023. This is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in English football.
Players to Watch
Nottingham Forest
Murillo (Defender): The Brazilian centre-back is the standout performer in the Forest defence. His pace, calmness on the ball, and strong tackling will be critical in stopping the runs of the Leeds forward line and initiating play from the back.
Dan Ndoye (Winger): The Swiss international has a strong attacking output and will be a key outlet on the flanks. His pace and direct running will be utilized to stretch the Leeds defence and create opportunities from wide areas.
Leeds United
Noah Okafor (Forward): The forward is Leeds’ joint-top scorer and poses a threat with his pace and finishing. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin a doubt, Okafor’s ability to lead the line and test the Forest defence will be crucial for the visitors.
Joe Rodon (Defender): The centre-back has emerged as a goal threat from set-pieces, scoring in three of his last six games for club and country. Given Forest have conceded nine goals from set-pieces this season, Rodon’s presence in the box is a major concern.
Prediction
This is a true relegation battle where survival instincts will trump flowing football. Nottingham Forest’s form is deeply concerning, exacerbated by a severe injury crisis that cripples their attack and includes the loss of their midfield general, Douglas Luiz. However, they are desperate for Dyche’s first league win and boast a historically dominant home record in this fixture. Leeds United’s away form is equally worrying, with only one away win all season. Given the circumstances and the sheer importance of the points, expect a tense, cagey affair. Forest’s traditional City Ground advantage and Dyche’s defensive focus might just be enough to grind out a narrow victory.
Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Leeds United
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This Premier League fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match has been selected for live television coverage on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 1:00 PM GMT. Live stream is available via the Sky Go app and website for Sky Sports subscribers.
In the United States (US), the match is available to watch and stream online live on Peacock (Peacock Premium). The kick-off time is 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
