Alious
With the transfer window now shut, Leeds United must shift full focus back to survival matters on the pitch — and Friday night’s clash with Nottingham Forest at Elland Road could prove decisive.
The Whites were unable to strengthen their squad on deadline day, despite efforts to land a striker and late whispers of a move for an attacking midfielder. Facundo Buonanotte’s temporary arrival from Brighton remains the club’s only January business. Leeds had hoped to add firepower up front, but that plan fell apart when Jørgen Strand Larsen sealed a switch to Crystal Palace instead.
Now, attention turns to a high-stakes meeting with Forest, a match that could carry huge weight in the battle to stay clear of relegation trouble.
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### **Smyth: Team Selection Sends a Message**
Leeds journalist Graham Smyth believes Daniel Farke must be bold with his lineup — and that includes leaving Ilia Gruev out of the starting XI.
Gruev endured a difficult outing in the recent loss to Arsenal and was withdrawn at half-time, with Sean Longstaff stepping in after the break. Smyth argues that repeating a cautious midfield setup at home would send the wrong signal in such an important fixture.
Speaking on the *Inside Elland Road* podcast, Smyth stressed that mentality is reflected through selection choices. Deploying two naturally defensive midfielders, he suggests, would hint at hesitation rather than intent in a game Leeds should approach with confidence.
At Elland Road, the expectation is to dictate play, not to sit back. Smyth’s view is clear: if Leeds see themselves as at least Forest’s equal — or stronger — they must show it by going on the front foot.
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### **Opportunity Knocks for Longstaff**
Sean Longstaff could be the man to benefit. Before suffering a hamstring injury in November, the former Newcastle United midfielder had cemented himself as a regular starter, valued for his energy, physicality, and Premier League know-how.
His absence led to tactical tweaks, and Gruev’s steady run of games narrowed Longstaff’s route back into the side. But momentum may be swinging again. Longstaff looked assured and composed when introduced against Arsenal, offering stability and drive in midfield.
That cameo may have come at just the right time. With Leeds needing urgency, intensity, and leadership in a pressure-filled contest, Longstaff appears well-placed to reclaim a starting role.
Friday night could mark a turning point — both in Leeds’ season and in Longstaff’s push to reassert himself as a key figure at Elland Road.
Alious
