Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United predictions and betting tips | Rematch in EFL Cup

Our Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United predictions look ahead to Tuesday’s EFL Cup clash at the City Ground, as the hosts attempt to avenge defeat by the Whites at the weekend.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United head to head overview

• Date: Tuesday 25th August.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: City Ground, Nottingham, England.
• Where to watch: ITV1 and ITVX, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United quick tips

• Nottingham Forest to win – 23/20 with Betway
• Under 2.5 goals – 13/14 with Unibet
• Chris Wood to score any time – 11/8 with bet365

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United predictions

Three days after they faced off on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United will meet again in the EFL Cup.

A place in the third round in the competition is up for grabs at the City Ground, where Leeds ran out 1-0 winners on Saturday.

It was a game that could have gone either way. There were not a huge amount of clear-cut chances in open play, so it was no surprise that the only goal of the match came via a set-piece.

Anton Stach’s free-kick in the 88th minute proved the difference between the two teams, as Leeds triumphed away to Forest in the top flight for the first time since 1971.

It was a disappointing start to Oliver Glasner’s tenure, and the former Crystal Palace boss admitted there is plenty of room to get better.

“I just think we had a few situations when we played quick and we created some half-chances,” he told BBC Sport. “What we need to improve. Together for a few weeks, but definitely we are very stable. [There is] still a lot of work to do.”

Leeds are now seeking back-to-back victories as they target another successful season under Daniel Farke.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United tips

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United go head-to-head for the second time in three days.

Forest can make amends

During his time at Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner won three trophies – an unprecedented achievement for a club that had never claimed a major prize before his spell as manager.

Glasner has tended to take the cup competitions seriously wherever he has been, so we can expect him to name a strong side on Tuesday.

Daniel Farke is much more likely to shuffle his pack. Leeds United have not gone beyond the second round of the EFL Cup in any of his three campaigns at the helm.

Forest are likely to take this game more seriously than their opponents, which makes them look like good value.

Tip Nottingham Forest to win at 23/20 with Betway

Another tight game awaits

There was not a great deal of goalmouth action on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest and Leeds United produced just five shots on target between them and a combined xG of 1.14.

Forest are still getting to grips with Oliver Glasner’s preferred system and style of play. Leeds, for all their qualities, were not exactly a free-scoring side last term.

Another low-scoring encounter awaits in the EFL Cup, especially if Leeds give some of their best forwards the night off.

Go for under 2.5 goals at 13/14 with Unibet

Wood set to start

After an injury-hit campaign last time out, Chris Wood will hope to feature more regularly in 2026/27.

The New Zealand international may now be Nottingham Forest’s second-choice striker behind Igor Jesus, but he looks set to start on Tuesday evening.

Jesus may be more mobile than Wood, but the latter’s goal record for Forest – 40 in 95 appearances since he joined the club permanently – is admirable.

Wood is our pick to find the back of the net when Forest face Leeds United for the second time this term.

Back Chris Wood to score any time at 11/8 with bet365

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United predicted lineups

• Nottingham Forest expected lineup: Sels; Abott, Milenkovic, Murillo; Aina, Schlager, Sangare, Williams; Hutchinson, Wood, Gibbs-White.
• Leeds United expected lineup: Perri; Elvedi, Bijol, Muharemovic; Justin, Byram, Tanaka, Longstaff; Ramazani, James; Nmecha.

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United latest odds

Find the latest Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakersand are subject to change.

• Nottingham Forest: 23/20 with Betway
• Draw: 5/2 with Unibet
• Leeds United: 11/5 with bet365

More EFL Cup predictions

We have plenty more EFL Cup predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United for betting

Leeds United have won their last two meetings with Nottingham Forest, but four of their last trips to the City Ground have ended in defeat – the exception, of course, being Saturday’s 1-0 victory.

• Last meeting: 22nd August 2026; Nottingham Forest 1-0 Leeds United.
• Last 6 matches: Nottingham Forest wins – 3; Leeds United wins – 3; Draws – 0.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.