Presenter Conor McGilligan has been left confused by the apparent hate Nottingham Forest have for Leeds United ahead of their clash this weekend.

What’s the word?

On Sunday afternoon, the two teams will meet in the Premier League for the first time since 1999.

Of course, they have met plenty of times in the Championship since then. The sides last met in that division back in February 2020 when goals from Sammy Ameobi and Tyler Walker gave Forest a 2-0 win at home, and it seems as though that game hasn't been forgotten quickly.

Indeed, while speaking about this weekend's clash on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan explained that it wasn't until after that last meeting that he realised how much Leeds were hated by their opposition.

He explained: "I didn't know how bad it was until that game. They are obsessed with Leeds United. They dislike us intently, intently.

"I've got absolutely no problem with Nottingham Forest, I don't think many Leeds fans have. So it is a little bit odd. But listen, it is what it is.”

Big rivalry

Of course, Leeds are not necessarily the most popular club in England, and perhaps that dates back to their physical play and unruly gamesmanship under Don Revie, which predated Forest's most successful period. Maybe this is where the antipathy stems from.

Whatever it is, Whites manager Jesse Marsch will hope to channel the possible poor tempers in favour of his team, who could really do with a win on the road this weekend.

If Leeds fail to get a positive result at the City Ground, they could fall into the relegation zone depending on how other results pan out this weekend. However, a win would see them go level with Steve Cooper and co on 21 points with a game in hand.

There's certainly plenty to play for, and with this apparent rivalry, you can expect the atmosphere to be rocking.