Leeds will fancy their chances of securing a positive result on home turf, especially after a disappointing showing against Arsenal last time out. Losing to the league leaders is understandable, but the manner of that defeat will hopefully act as a wake-up call. Leeds will relish a return to Elland Road, where they have been far more competitive, hoping to bounce back.

The Whites come into this clash with five wins, four draws, and just three losses at home this season, which highlights how they take things up a gear when boosted by their home crowd. Notably, they have already beaten sides operating in a similar area of the table, including West Ham and Crystal Palace, which bodes well for them here.

Meanwhile, Forest were fortunate to hold on to a point against the Eagles last time out, after Neco Williams was sent off in the first half.

Leeds failed to score against Arsenal last weekend, which marked the first time they’ve drawn a blank on home turf since a 0-0 draw against Newcastle in August. Daniel Farke’s side have generally been efficient in front of goal at Elland Road, and will hope to exploit a vulnerable Forest backline on Friday night.

Angus Gunn made his debut against Crystal Palace last time out, as Matz Sels had to be replaced at half-time. With John Victor also injured, the Tricky Trees have had to deploy their third-choice keeper.

This line has landed in nine of Leeds’ 12 home matches this season in the league, with both teams scoring in eight of those games. Both sides will recognise this as an ideal opportunity to secure three points, which means they should be front-footed in their approach. Because of that, goals become a market to target.

Leeds haven’t quite been as watertight defensively in recent weeks, and Arsenal were able to pick them apart with relative ease. Forest should be able to find some joy in the final third, and Igor Jesus stands out as a player who should find himself involved.

The Brazilian has shown a tendency to cause problems in the final third, coming into this clash with four goals in his last five appearances across all competitions. That run includes a recent brace against Ferencvaros in the Europa League and a league goal against Brentford. Jesus failed to land this selection against Arsenal and Crystal Palace, with the latter impacted by that first-half red card.

The 24-year-old also managed five shots in the reverse fixture, somehow failing to hit the target despite finding promising positions. Given the context of the game, Jesus is one to keep an eye on.

The reverse fixture saw Forest dominate proceedings, posting 2.55 xG from 14 shots, but Leeds look a different side now. Daniel Farke’s switch to a back five has brought greater balance, and results have gradually improved as a result.

Ethan Ampadu continues to operate in a similar role in the heart of midfield and has been trusted in this position throughout the campaign. He was fouled once in that earlier meeting, and is averaging 1.0 fouls drawn per 90 this season, rising to 1.2 when playing at Elland Road.

Ampadu has drawn nine fouls across his last six home league appearances, landing this selection in all of those matches. He should find duels against the likes of Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare, and Morgan Gibbs-White in midfield here - the trio have combined for 3.58 fouls per 90 in the league this season.

Daniel Farke’s recent tactical tweak has seen Anton Stach afforded more attacking license, which has increased his involvement in the final third.

While he failed to register a shot against Arsenal, that was a difficult matchup in which Leeds managed just three attempts as a team. Before that, he had one shot against Everton from inside the box, which hit the target. He also provided the assist for James Justin.

The German international strikes the ball cleanly, and can be effective when arriving late into the box - he has three Premier League goals to his name this season. Stach is averaging 2.0 shots per 90 across all competitions this term, with that figure only expected to rise if he continues to be given more attacking freedom.

He is also responsible for free-kicks, and draws a good matchup against Forest here, hoping to make a difference going forward.

Sangare had an eventful afternoon when these sides last met, opening the scoring after just 15 minutes, before enduring a difficult outing overall. He committed three fouls, picked up a yellow card, and was eventually withdrawn before the hour mark.

The Ivory Coast international has made a welcome return to the starting eleven since the conclusion of AFCON, and looks set to partner Elliot Anderson in midfield, following the departure of Douglas Luiz. Operating in a defensive midfield role, Sangare will have his hands full against an energetic Leeds midfield. He is averaging 1.3 fouls per 90 this season and has shown a tendency to be aggressive in his challenges.

Sangare was most recently booked in the Europa League for dissent - Peter Bankes is at the whistle for this clash, and is not one for leniency. Bankes has dished out the third-most cards out of all Premier League referees this season, averaging 4.3 cards per game.

Joe Rodon was fouled twice against Arsenal last time out, despite Leeds drawing just seven infringements as a team in that match. His overall average of 0.66 fouls drawn per 90 is nothing to write home about, but he draws an excellent matchup on Friday night to improve that number.

Rodon will be tasked with trying to contain Igor Jesus, who is averaging 1.8 fouls per 90 across all competitions, rising to 2.2 when playing away from home. The Brazilian has committed multiple fouls in five of his last eight home matches, and doesn’t shy away from duels. He is often the target when Forest opt to play long, and will look to assert himself against opposing centre-backs.

This is shaping up to be a real battle between Jesus and Rodon here - two physical players, which makes this price really stand out.