“This worries me for Leeds United”- Paul Merson has noticed something ‘worrying’ for Daniel Farke ahead of crucial Leeds United fixture

Paul Merson warns Leeds United ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Paul Merson has admitted he’s “worried” about Leeds United’s current situation as they prepare for a crucial Premier League showdown against Nottingham Forest.

Leeds travel to the City Ground sitting just four points above the relegation zone and five clear of Forest, who currently occupy 19th place.

Despite their lowly position, Forest appear to be regaining confidence under new boss Sean Dyche, having recently held Manchester United to a draw.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has a near full-strength squad available, though Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a doubt as he battles to recover from injury.

Merson predicts Forest victory

Speaking to Sportskeeda, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson gave a gloomy forecast for Leeds’ chances, tipping Forest to take all three points with a 2-0 home win.

He argued that Leeds’ poor away form could once again cost them, suggesting both the Whites and fellow strugglers Burnley are beginning to feel the pressure at the foot of the table.

“This is a huge game,” Merson said. “If Nottingham Forest win, they’ll move to within two points of Leeds and one behind Burnley.

When you look at it that way, you have to start worrying about those two promoted teams. Leeds haven’t been good away from home, apart from that win at Wolves.”

Merson also praised Dyche’s pragmatic approach, believing his experience could steer Forest to safety.

“Sean Dyche only knows one way to play, and that might actually help Forest. Defensively they were solid last season, and Dyche is a proven manager who won’t be swayed by the crowd. I fully expect Forest to win and drag others into the relegation scrap — 2-0.”

Both sides struggling in front of goal

Clashes between relegation rivals are often tense and low-scoring, and the numbers back that up. Opta stats reveal that both Leeds and Forest have found goals hard to come by this season.

With Calvert-Lewin and Chris Wood both injury doubts, composure in the final third could decide the contest.

After ten games, Forest have the second-worst goals-to-expected-goals (xG) differential in the Premier League, scoring 4.42 fewer than expected. Leeds are close behind in third, with a -3.38 differential.

Forest also rank bottom for shot conversion rate at just 5.98%, while Leeds sit third-worst at 7.38%.

Given those numbers, fans might expect a match filled with missed chances — but football often defies the data. Should Leeds rediscover their scoring touch, they could leave Nottingham celebrating a rare Premier League away win — their first since the Don Revie era.