Nottingham Forest welcomes Leeds United for the second time in just four days, this time in the second round of the Carabao Cup on August 25, 2026.
Why it matters: This match is a chance for Nottingham Forest to rebound after a recent defeat and for Oliver Glasner to secure his first win as manager.
The two teams met recently in the Premier League, where Leeds edged out Forest with a late free-kick from Anton Stach.
Forest's performance in their last match showed promise, but they need to improve their finishing to convert chances into goals.
Winning the Carabao Cup could provide a much-needed boost for both clubs, who are not expected to compete for top honors in the Premier League.
Driving the news: The upcoming fixture is set for 8 p.m. BST at the City Ground, Nottingham, England.
Referee Andrew Kitchen will oversee the match, which is being broadcast across several networks including ITV1 and Sky Sports in the UK.
Leeds United fans are expected to travel in numbers, having shown exemplary behavior during their last visit.
Supporters are advised to arrive early, as parking is limited and ticket collection begins at 6:30 p.m.
State of play: Both teams are dealing with injuries ahead of the match, which could impact their lineups.
Nottingham Forest will be without defender Nicolò Savona due to a knee injury.
Leeds United has three players sidelined: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ilia Gruev, and Wilfried Gnonto, all out with hamstring or knee injuries.
Both managers may opt for squad rotation, using this match to assess their depth early in the season.
What they're saying: Oliver Glasner is focused on getting that elusive first win.
"For any manager, getting that first win is a milestone they crave to put away quickly," Glasner said.
He emphasized the importance of results for building team confidence and securing the backing of club owner Evangelos Marinakis.
Leeds United's manager, Daniel Farke, has praised his team's defensive resilience, which has become a hallmark of their recent performances.
By the numbers: The Carabao Cup presents an opportunity for both clubs to chase silverware.
Historically, teams like Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have found success in domestic cups, making this competition a priority.
The knockout format means that one mistake could lead to elimination, heightening the stakes for both sides.
With each team dreaming of a trip to Wembley in spring 2027, a strong start in this cup tie is imperative.
What's next: Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the next round.
Following this match, Nottingham Forest will continue their Premier League campaign, looking to build momentum.
Leeds United will aim to carry their strong defensive form into the next league fixture after this cup clash.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. BST, with fans encouraged to follow stadium policies for a safe experience.