PREVIEW: Leeds United look to extend gap to bottom three against Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

When Leeds United were preparing to face Chelsea in early December, the fixture appeared to carry greater significance than most.

Rumours suggested it was a make-or-break moment for the German manager who had guided the Lilywhites to promotion just months earlier. Sitting 18th in the Premier League and struggling to get their talented squad firing, Leeds were under serious pressure.

Since then, however, their fortunes have changed dramatically. Leeds have gone on an impressive run, losing just twice while claiming notable victories over Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace. That surge has lifted them out of the relegation zone and opened up a six-point gap over 18th-placed West Ham.

A bruising home defeat to Arsenal may have slowed that momentum slightly, but Friday’s fixture offers Leeds the chance to take another decisive step towards safety. They face a side that, like themselves, has found it difficult to pull clear of the bottom five.

Nottingham Forest have endured a fall from grace this season after gate-crashing the European places last year under Nuno Espírito Santo. The Trees finished seventh but failed to kick on, with a managerial merry-go-round at the start of the campaign disrupting any early momentum.

Now sitting 17th and level on points with Leeds, Sean Dyche’s side have enjoyed a recent upturn in form in both domestic and European competition, giving their survival bid a significant boost.

Just one defeat in their last five games has kept Forest competitive in the league and left them in contention to reach the Europa League round of 16. Strong results have helped create daylight between themselves and the bottom three.

A resilient home draw against Crystal Palace, combined with convincing wins over Brentford and Arsenal, underlines the progress Forest have made under Dyche. Those performances suggest they will not simply accept being dragged deeper into a relegation scrap.

Leeds have been relatively fortunate with injuries this season, particularly with top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled with fitness issues throughout his career. At present, Daniel Farke must manage three thigh injuries.

Winger Dan James is expected to return next week as he completes his rehabilitation, while Lucas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol are also closing in on comebacks. Their impending returns provide a timely boost as Leeds approach a crucial run-in.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, has a more extensive injury list. Chris Wood, Jon Victor and Nicolò Savona are all sidelined with serious knee injuries and are expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Full-back Neco Williams is suspended following a red card against Crystal Palace after handling a goal-bound effort. Callum Hudson-Odoi remains out with a groin injury but is expected to return after the Leeds fixture.

Forest are also without first-choice goalkeeper Matz Sels due to a long-term injury, a setback that forced the club into the transfer market. They secured the signing of Stefan Ortega from Manchester City for £500,000 to provide cover between the posts.