Leeds United's Bold Setup Against Nottingham Forest

Leeds United head to the City Ground on Saturday with something they have not always carried on their Premier League travels: real conviction.

A ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Augsburg in pre-season has sharpened the mood around Daniel Farke’s squad, and the Leeds manager is expected to double down on that momentum with a bold 3-4-3 setup against Nottingham Forest.

This is not a night for experiments. It’s a night for his strongest hand.

Trafford Behind a New-Look Back Three

James Trafford is set to start in goal, tasked with bringing calm to a Leeds side that will have to ride spells of Forest pressure on a tight, hostile pitch. A clean sheet here would be a statement, not a bonus.

In front of him, Farke is poised to go with a back three of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemović. It’s a unit built more for aggression than caution. Rodon’s experience, Bijol’s physical presence and Muharemović’s anticipation will all be tested by Forest’s direct running and set-piece threat.

They will need to hold their line, stay compact, and resist the temptation to get dragged wide. Any lapses, and Forest will swarm.

Sebastiaan Bornauw offers insurance from the bench, ready to step in if the game turns into a defensive grind.

Engine Room Built to Control

At the heart of it all, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu will anchor the midfield. Their job is simple to describe and brutal to execute: win the ball, set the tempo, and make sure Leeds play this match on their terms rather than Forest’s.

Stach brings range in his passing and a willingness to dictate from deep. Ampadu brings bite, mobility and leadership. Together, they will look to shut down counters before they start and feed the front three quickly when space opens up.

Out wide, James Justin is expected to operate on the left, with Jayden Bogle on the right. Both will have to live the double life of the modern wing-back. First, protect their side of the pitch. Then, when the chance comes, explode forward to stretch Forest and overload the flanks.

If Leeds are to pin Forest back, Justin’s delivery and Bogle’s energy will be crucial.

Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff are likely to wait their turn on the bench, ready to tilt the midfield battle if legs tire or the game demands a different rhythm in the second half.

Wilson, Aaronson and Calvert-Lewin to Lead the Charge

Higher up the pitch, there is a clear intent: Leeds want to hurt Forest.

Harry Wilson is set to start from the right, drifting inside onto his left foot to link play and threaten from distance or dead balls. On the opposite flank, Brenden Aaronson will bring movement, pressing and the kind of relentless running that can drag defenders into awkward spaces.

Between them, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line. His role is blunt and unforgiving: occupy centre-backs, dominate aerial duels, and live inside the Nottingham Forest penalty area. If Leeds’ wing-backs and wide forwards can supply him consistently, he has the tools to turn pressure into goals.

Forest know exactly what kind of problem he can be. The question now is whether Leeds can give him the service to become that constant thorn they need him to be on the road.