Brennan Johnson goal leaves visitors in deep relegation trouble

On a weekend that saw Everton, Wolves and Leicester win and West Ham draw at Newcastle, today wouldn’t be a bad time for Leeds to pick up their first Premier League victory since November. They will, however, have to try and get the valuable three points without Rodrigo. Their top scorer was this week ruled out for two months after surgery to repair a fractured tibia and ankle ligament damage.

When results aren’t going your way and one of your main attacking threats has been ruled out for two months you could be forgiven for being a bit downcast. But Jesse Marsch is upbeat and feeling positive about today’s match at Nottingham Forest, deciding to focus on the good news.  

The American said fit-again Patrick Bamford had not felt so good in 18 months, while Tyler Adams, Crysencio Summerville, Pascal Struijk and skipper Liam Cooper will all return to contention after injury.

“What an incredible problem to have as a manager,” said Marsch, who will also have Jack Harrison available after the winger’s proposed move to Leicester fell through. “We have great options in every position.

“I’ve challenged the group to be committed to the group concept, whether they’re starting or coming off the bench. With five subs we should feel like we can make a big impact and push every match to its limit with the quality that we have now.

“I’ve never been more excited to be the manager of this team and I’m really looking forward to Sunday.”

Marsch’s side could do with the win. They currently sit one spot above the relegation zone and need a run of good results to avoid another season mired in a relegation dogfight. They face a Nottingham Forest side unbeaten in the league since December fresh from another busy transfer window.

Stay here for all the pre-match build up, team news and action, with kick off set for 2pm.