The stage is set for a thrilling battle as Leeds United prepare to face Norwich City in the semi-final clash at Elland Road. Both teams are hungry for victory to secure a spot in the Championship playoff final.
The tie is balanced after a goalless draw in last weekend’s first leg at Carrow Road.
Match Preview
Tight matches often occur in the first leg of playoffs, but hopes were high that Leeds and Norwich, both attacking teams, would provide an exciting contest last Sunday.
However, both teams canceled each other out and lacked the cutting edge to take a lead into the second leg.
Only 13 shots were taken in the whole match, with an xG of just 0.76; only four Championship games had fewer shots and a lower xG this season.
Daniel Farke was likely happier with the draw, as his Leeds side faced a Norwich team that hasn’t lost at home since November 5. However, Farke still has concerns about his team’s recent form.
Leeds enter Thursday’s match having won only one of their last seven games and have failed to score in four of those, including two of their last three home games.
Leeds have won their last two home matches against Norwich, including a 1-0 win in January, giving them hope as they aim to reach an EFL playoff final for the fourth time and the first since 2007-08.
Norwich is also struggling, having won just two of their last eight games since the beginning of April, and have failed to win any of their last four. They have only won four of their last 10 away games.
A first-leg draw with Leeds at home was seen as a disappointment by some Norwich fans, but manager David Wagner insists they haven’t given an advantage to Leeds, who will host the return match at Elland Road.
In their third EFL playoff appearance, Norwich aims to reach the final at Wembley for the third time, having done so in 2002 and 2015.
A win on Thursday would make them only the sixth team to reach the final with a perfect record, having won at least three playoff semi-finals.
Head-to-Head:
Norwich’s recent record against Leeds is poor, with just two wins in their last 12 meetings.
Their last win at Elland Road was in February 2019 under current Leeds boss Farke, who led Norwich to a 3-1 win on their way to winning the title.
Team News & Updates:
Leeds defender Pascal Struijk is out for the rest of the season after groin surgery, and striker Patrick Bamford is doubtful for the playoff final due to a patellar tendon injury.
Daniel James overcame injuries to play as a substitute in the first leg and will push to start on the right wing ahead of Wilfried Gnonto.
Farke might keep the same midfield trio of Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, and Ilia Gruev, but one could be replaced by Joel Piroe if Farke opts to strengthen the attack, which should also feature Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.
Norwich is worried about the fitness of striker Joshua Sargent, who left the first leg with an ankle injury.
Ashley Barnes is also doubtful after missing the first leg with a calf problem. If both Sargent and Barnes are out, forward Sydney van Hooijdonk might start for the first time since joining on loan in January.
Liam Gibbs (muscle) and Onel Hernandez (broken foot) remain injured, but Jon Rowe was fit to start the first leg and is expected to stay on the right wing, supported by Borja Sainz in attack.
Prediction & Analysis
Leeds hold a slight advantage heading into the second leg with their strong home record against Norwich.
The absence of Sargent could prove costly for Norwich, giving Leeds an edge in the match.
The full time result is tough to call, but we expect both teams to find the back of the net in a score draw.
- Leeds United 1-1 Norwich City