Leeds United begin 2026/27 Premier League season at Forest’s City Ground

22 August 2026 Leeds Matchday desk

Sport

Leeds United

Leeds United FC

Follow all the action as Leeds United begin their 2026/27 campaign at the City Ground

The wait is over. The new season kicks off today, bringing with it expectation, hope and the feeling that anything could happen.

For Leeds United, the objectives are clear. The club’s hierarchy would view survival as a minimum achievement, while anything worse than last term’s 14th-placed finish would represent a step backwards.

European qualification looks beyond reach at this stage. Daniel Farke has repeatedly warned about the challenges of a second campaign in the top flight, never mind pushing for a top-seven berth. The board share his cautious outlook.

This Premier League season opener presents a stern examination. Forest will be seeking an immediate lift under Oliver Glasner, and Leeds have suffered defeats in their previous two opening fixtures on the road. However, expectations exist to be defied. In football, surprises are always possible.

Follow the action as Leeds face Nottingham Forest via our live updates below.

Leeds have dominated the physical contests and controlled territory during the opening quarter hour, though the main talking points have emerged at the Trafford end with a stoppage and one effort that rattled the woodwork.

Genuine opportunities have been sparse for Leeds apart from a disallowed effort. Their pressing has been effective.

Leeds now pressing inside Forest’s half

A Forest corner arrives, deflects upwards and out. Possession is recovered and recycled back in, headed under the crossbar before Leeds clear the danger.

The contest has become somewhat untidy in patches. Plenty of contested 50-50 challenges. Bogle has performed solidly but must remain vigilant about space in behind him. The ball skipped over his head and Forest nearly exploited the situation down his flank.

A mistimed challenge following a poor touch results in a yellow card. This appears to match Aina’s earlier booking for a similar offence.

Trafford has skewed one out of play and Ampadu has carelessly thrown the ball into touch. The home supporters chant their displeasure.

A free kick is partially defended by Leeds but the cross from the right is delivered. Justin clears and Gibbs-White fires well off target.

An excellent delivery from Bogle sees Wilson clinically slot into the far corner, only for the flag to rule it out. They would have merited that goal.

Ampadu’s throw leads to a scramble before Forest clear for a corner. They deal with it and break rapidly, though the cross is straight at Trafford.

Caught heavily by Aina. Officials consider a red card but settle on yellow. That would have been severe punishment.

A long throw is delivered, a header loops toward goal and seems destined for the corner until Trafford fingertip it away. Outstanding save.

The home crowd growing restless. Forest have been somewhat careless at times while Leeds have excelled in individual battles. Play has predominantly stayed in Forest’s territory.

Leeds capitalising on Forest’s loose passing. Wilson spins past his opponent and delivers a low cross but Sels collects. Leeds on top thus far.

Trafford, as seen last weekend, looks to play long toward DCL when building from the back and has won both aerial duels so far. That looks promising.

Leeds get the match started.

Cairns gives Trafford a big hug. Ndoye approaches to greet fellow Swiss international Elvedi. Leeds players gather together.

And we’re under way. The campaign begins now. Settle in and enjoy the spectacle. And stay tuned – this is Leeds United after all. Surprises are always on the cards.

That shapes up as a 3-4-2-1 formation. Forest remain somewhat unpredictable given Oliver Glasner’s recent appointment.

The stadium will be rocking initially, though if Leeds silence the crowd early, that would put them in an excellent position. A point would constitute a respectable outcome.

Alex Cairns remains outside and delivers an encouraging high-five to each teammate as they head off.

What are your thoughts? Where will Leeds end up? Who takes player of the season? Top scorer? Best acquisition? Share your views in the comments.

The reception appears positive. The all-black alternative shirt was unveiled yesterday and is available to purchase below.

Leeds United have unveiled their fresh third kit for 2026/27, showcasing a black colourway with all-over pattern and tipped collar inspired by the architecture that defines Leeds.

Perri has been working on delivering crosses for Trafford to collect during the warm-up. But three consecutive attempts have cannoned into the top of the net.

Leeds sporting their away attire today. Splendid weather. Smart Leeds training tops as well.

Leeds United retain interest in Chelsea wide man Mykhailo Mudryk, who features among several targets the decision-makers rate highly. A temporary deal rather than a permanent transfer is under consideration.

Leeds are hunting for a new attacking option on the left flank before the transfer window closes, with Ukrainian Mudryk among potential arrivals. An opening loan approach has been rejected.