The matches between Nottm Forest and Leicester City are part of the East Midlands derby. Although geographically, Nottm Forest are closer to Derby County and Notts County, and Leicester City is close to Coventry City, the opposition between these teams is considered the most interesting. The only explanation is that these teams are considered the most successful within the boundaries of the East Midlands.
History of the relationship between Leicester City and Nottm Forest
The first confrontation between Leicester City vs Nottm Forest dates back to 1901. In total, the teams have played 108 games against each other. In the Champion League, Leicester City showed better results, but NF took the lead in the Premier League. The clubs also met in the FA Cup and the League Cup. In the first tournament, Nottm Forest had 2 wins, Leicester City – 1. Another meeting ended with a draw. Each team has one win in the League Cup. The third meeting did not reveal the strongest.
In all tournaments, Leicester City has a slight advantage in the number of wins – 39% vs. 36%. The most productive match ended with a score of 12:0 in favor of NF. LC thrashed their opponent twice with a score of 4-0 and once again with a score of 5-1.
Nine hat-tricks have been recorded in the clubs’ face-to-face meetings. Seven of them were made by NF players. Three hat-tricks were scored in a match in 1909, when there was a defeat of “Foxes” with the already mentioned score of 12:0.
The memorable meeting between the clubs in the 21st century took place in 2013. On the last game day of the 2012/2013 Football League season, these teams fought for playoffs. Nottingham Forest quickly seized the initiative. The goal was marked by Simon Cox. But by the end of the first half, the scoreboard showed the number 2-2. The score remained unchanged until the end of the game. Only in the injury time, the LC managed to pull out a win. It was the Foxes’ first win at the City Ground in the league since 1972.
In 2022, NF and LC met in the Premier League for the first time in 23 years. The victory went to the “Foxes”. They defeated their opponent by scoring four clear goals.
Interesting statistics on the relationship between Leicester City and Nottm Forest
There are many players in the history of the clubs who have played for both sides. One of the best English goalkeepers Peter Shilton first successfully played at Leicester City, and then, he moved to Nottingham Forest. With his new club, he achieved high results not only in the domestic arena, but also on the European stage.
Other players who played in NF and LC:
- Direct transfers from Leicester City to Nottm Forest: Andy Impey (free agent), Yohan Ben Alouane (sale), Ben Hamer (loan).
- Players who played for other clubs before moving to Nottingham Forest from Leicester City: Matt Mills, Lee Peltier, Molla Wagué, Neil Lennon and others.
- Direct transfers from Nottingham Forest to Leicester City: Wes Morgan (sale), Paul Konchesky (sale), Gareth Williams (sale), Ricardo Shimeka (free agent), Nicky Summerbee (free agent), Kjetil Oswald (rental), Alan Rogers (sale).
- Nottm Forest footballers who played for other teams before transferring to Leicester City: Harry Parker, Phil Gilchrist, Stan Collymore, Andy Johnson, Matthew Upson.
The teams are also linked by their coaches. Both teams were managed by Rob Kelly, Matt Gillis, Martin O’Neil, Dave Bassett, Gary Megson and others.
Fans of British soccer and these clubs can follow the teams’ successes in face-to-face confrontations through their smartphones. It is enough to go to the portal “LiveScores”. Basic statistics and odds are available for each match. The portal also offers a calendar of future matches. It helps not to miss a single match.