Daniel Farke recalls exit-linked player in three changes – Leeds predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Daniel Farke will look to make some changes to his starting lineup for Friday’s relegation six-pointer against Nottingham Forest.
Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League table, but they’re in for a huge match against Forest, who have the same points total and goal difference as the Whites.
Farke aims to return to winning ways at Elland Road after Leeds’ dreadful 4-0 loss to Arsenal, and he’ll be wary of the pressure he may fall under if the Whites lose to Sean Dyche’s side.
Farke has several injuries to contend with, although he could bring Lucas Perri back into the side for Karl Darlow in one of three changes.
Lucas Perri returns, Daniel Farke makes three changes
Perri has been strongly linked with a Leeds exit in recent days, but now looks set to stay at Elland Road until at least the summer.
Since arriving from Lyon in the summer, the Brazilian has been exposed numerous times for his lapses in concentration, and Darlow taken his spot in the team.
However, Darlow was slammed for his performance against Arsenal, which included him punching the ball into his own net following Noni Madueke’s corner.
| Darlow | Stat | Perri |
| 8 | Appearances | 16 |
| 13 | Goals conceded | 29 |
| 20 | Saves | 38 |
| 60.6% | Save percentage | 56.7% |
| 1 | Clean sheets | 3 |
Farke doesn’t seem to trust either goalkeeper, although Perri would certainly be a better option to deal with Forest’s physicality from set-piece situations.
Anton Stach is injured for the next three matches and Sean Longstaff could come back into midfield for his first start since November.
James Justin is also a doubt, and Sebastiaan Bornauw is most likely to replace him at centre-back, with Joe Rodon then going out to the right side of defence.
What looks clear is that Brenden Aaronson will likely play just off Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a false nine role, which could be very effective against Forest.
Brenden Aaronson has perfect chance vs Nottingham Forest
Aaronson has been a breath of fresh air in the last month, registering four goal contributions in his last seven matches.
However, he has failed to find the back of the net in the last three league games after such a promising run of form.
In the space of three days at the start of 2026, he opened the scoring against Man United before ending on a brace in the dramatic 4-3 loss to Newcastle.
| Stat | Aaronson |
| Appearances | 114 |
| Goals | 14 |
| Assists | 7 |
Aaronson has the perfect chance to rediscover his shooting boots against Angus Gunn, Forest’s third-choice goalkeeper.
Matz Sels and Joan Victor are out injured, which leaves Dyche with no option but to field the Scotland international.
Gunn hasn’t started a Premier League match since the 2021-22 season, when he was playing for Norwich City.
Aaronson needs to get shots off early to test the 30-year-old, who could be in for a long evening at Elland Road.