Leeds United’s 2026/27 Premier League campaign gets underway tomorrow with a trip to Nottingham Forest to kick things off. Daniel Farke’s side head to the City Ground having won four of their six pre-season games, the latter a 4-0 thumping of German side FC Augsburg last weekend.
Farke will be without a couple of important players on Saturday, with wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson and winger Willy Gnonto both sidelined with muscle injuries. But the Whites boss confirmed on Thursday everyone else will be available, including recent centre-back arrival Nico Elvedi.
The Swiss international will be one of four new transfers eyeing a competitive debut, albeit the other three are much further along in settling into their new environment. And with that in mind, the YEP has attempted to predict how Farke could line his Leeds side up at the City Ground.
7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
About to enter his second campaign as captain of a Premier League Leeds side and there's a feeling the Welshman could kick on even more this season. Forest boss Oliver Glasner has already mentioned set-pieces after two long Ampadu throws caused chaos for his Palace side last year. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding
8. CM: Anton Stach
There is a big call to be made in midfield after some impressive Sean Longstaff performances in pre-season but Stach is still the main man. His physicality will be needed in the middle of the park against what is expected to be a front-footed Forest outfit. | Getty Images
9. LWB: James Justin
Farke confirmed on Thursday that Gabriel Gudmundsson wouldn't be available, as expected, and with left-back cover not yet signed it will be Justin filling the role again. Continues to look very impressive, even on his unnatural side. | Getty Images
10. RW: Harry Wilson
Leeds are looking really fluid down that right-hand side and Wilson's positional intelligence has been key, even if the end-product hasn't yet followed. There is no doubt it will come, though. A trademark curled finish at Forest would be some way to mark his competitive debut. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding
11. LW: Brenden Aaronson
Farke has a decision to make on Noah Okafor and heading into the weekend, it feels like any impact at Forest will come from the bench. Aaronson has looked sharp in pre-season and contributed to a few goals too. He's also a safe bet to put in the necessary leg work away from home against a good side. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Three goals in pre-season and of course they all arrived about five yards from goal. The 29-year-old has looked sharp in pre-season and will be scrapping for anything that comes his way on Saturday. | Steve Riding Photo: Steve Riding