NOTTINGHAM F|OREST and Leeds United are two teams who are both currently safe from the drop zone, but both know that one setback would drag them right back into the mix.
And they will be both hoping to avoid that on Sunday.
Forest bowed out of the Carabao Cup during the week after a 2-0 loss at Manchester United, but Premier League survival is their aim and they were busy yet again in the transfer market.
Manager Steve Cooper brought in Keylor Navas, Felipe and Jonjo Shelvey on deadline day and so bloated is their squad now that he has several players who won't be registered for the remainder of their season because of the 25-man limit set by the Premier League.
However, they have a few important injuries with Taiwo Awoniyi, Morgan Gibbs-White and new signing Chris Wood all set to miss out.
Leeds brought in four players last month – Max Wober, Georginio Rutter,Weston, McKennie and Diogo Monteiro. A win is imperative for the Yorkshire side who haven't tasted success in the league since before the World Cup break, although they did ease to a victory at Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last week.
How the bookies view it
Nottingham Forest are favourites here and can be backed at 8/5 with Paddy Power.
Leeds United can be bakced at 17/10 with bet365 and the draw is 12/5 with William Hill.
Recent head to heads
This will be the first team these clubs have met in the top flight for 24 years, although they have played each other plenty of times in the Championship and even League One.
Forest are unbeaten in the last five meetings.
Players to watch
Jonjo Shelvey was an unused sub against Manchester United in midweek and the former Newcastle United man scored a few screamers for his former club. He is 8/1 to net anytime on Sunday.
Leeds' £35.5 million signing from Hoffenheim Georginio Rutter made his debut at Accrington last week and will make his league bow on Sunday. The French striker is 7/2 to score with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Leeds United have the joint-poorest away form in the league and have picked up just five points from nine games on their travels this season. They are playing a Forest side who are strong at their City Ground home and the hosts may have too much for them.
Forest have actually only lost two of their last ten league games and they were at Arsenal and Manchester United. With all the options Steve Cooper has, Forest should have enough options to edge this one.
But Leeds will certainly have a go and are nearly always good for a goal. Five of their last six games have seen both teams to score and the 3/4 on offer from UniBet on such a scenario seems a solid shout.
This English Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will be played on Feb 5, 2023 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
