Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, and that symmetry sets up a fascinating midfield dogfight. Forest's predicted XI has John Victor in goal, with Abbott, Jair Cunha, Netz and Morato in front of him — a back four that looks solid if unspectacular. The double pivot of da Silva Moreira and Schlager will sit deep, screening the defence and trying to spring Kalimuendo and Hudson-Odoi in the wide areas. Wood leads the line, and he is a handful — a proper target man who thrives on crosses and second balls. Forest will look to get it wide early, whip balls into the box, and let Wood and the half-space runners feed off the scraps.

Leeds, under their new-look setup, have a midfield packed with options — Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, Longstaff and Gruev all competing for spots. That is serious depth, and it means they can control the tempo if they get on top. But their predicted XI is less clear, and that uncertainty is a weakness. The Athletic notes there are changes expected to the XI that lined up against Forest a week on Saturday, which suggests Leeds are still tinkering. James Trafford's arrival in goal is confirmed, but the rest is up in the air. That instability, at a hostile City Ground, is a gift for Forest. Expect Leeds to try and play through the middle, but Forest's double pivot will sit deep and force them wide, where the full-backs can engage. The set-piece battle will be crucial — Forest have the height and the physicality to cause chaos from dead balls.