Leeds United return to the City Ground on Tuesday full of confidence, Anton Stach’s stoppage-time free-kick having secured a 1-0 win in the same fixture just four days earlier. Daniel Farke will be keen to reach the Carabao Cup third round for the first time as Leeds boss.
Leeds United team news
Willy Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson are both out with muscle injuries, Gnonto having picked his up in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Dublin. Ilia Gruev remains a longer-term absentee with a knee issue, though he has partially reintegrated into training, and his involvement in the matchday squad is unclear.
Farke confirmed everyone else in his squad is available for selection, including summer signing Nico Elvedi, who was cleared to play before the weekend and made the bench for the Premier League opener without being used. Noah Okafor’s fitness levels remain worth monitoring, having missed the entire pre-season after an extended break following Switzerland’s World Cup run.
Elvedi is expected to come into the back three for his first Leeds involvement, with Joe Rodon and Tarik Muharemovic retained alongside him and Jaka Bijol among those to make way. James Justin and Jayden Bogle offer athletic options at wing-back capable of managing the quick turnaround, while Ao Tanaka could be given a rare start in place of Anton Stach, who is expected to be held back as an attacking option from the bench. Farke is likely to freshen his attack too, with Daniel James, Felix Nmecha and Noah Okafor in line to lead the line ahead of Saturday’s starters.
Leeds United predicted lineup
Leeds United possible starting XI (3-4-3): Perri; Elvedi, Rodon, Muharemovic; Bogle, Tanaka, Longstaff, Justin; James, Nmecha, Okafor
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup match kicks off at 20:00 on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United?
The match will be broadcast live on ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football in the UK.
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