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Leeds had a fine first season back in the English Premier League, finishing 14th in the table with 47 points. They weren't the most successful newly promoted side a year ago (Sunderland finished 7th), but the metrics will tell you that the Whites probably should have had a top half finish. They did make it all the way to the FA Cup semis as well. Entering 2026/27, Daniel Farke's side had a very strong preseason (unbeaten in five matches).

Meanwhile, due to a combination of cycling through multiple managers and European commitments, Nottingham Forest took a tumble down the table last season. The Tricky Trees fell all the way to 16th and were just five points clear of relegation. Oliver Glasner takes over for Vitor Pereira this season. My view is that Forest will be better in 2026/27, but this is going to be a tricky first match of the season (pun intended).

Therefore, give me the quarter-goal head start with the visitors (Leeds). In case of a draw, that's a half win for us. I just think it will take time for Forest to adjust to Glasner's tactics. So a win by the home team is unlikely. History is not on Forest's side here either. Each of the L6 permanent Forest managers have lost their first match in charge. Leeds have lost only two of their last 18 season-openers at the top-flight level.