Leeds United will play hosts to Norwich City in the Championship on Wednesday, looking to remain in the hunt for automatic promotion places.
After spending three seasons in the Premier League, Leeds United were relegated last year after finishing 19th, but they are in a superb position to secure promotion back to the promised land of top flight, currently sitting fourth with 54 points in the Championship table, just four away from the desired second automatic place ahead of the game against Norwich City.
The Whites had a tough stretch in December. But it appears that they have put that behind them now that they have won four straight, including a narrow 2-1 victory against Preston North End through a last-gasp Joel Piroe penalty.
Norwich City, meanwhile, have spent the last decade and a half alternating between the Premier League and the Championship. Like their next opponent, Leeds, the Canaries finished the last season poorly and missed the playoffs as a result.
This season, head coach David Wagner has been on the cusp of losing his job a couple of times. Yet, the German now appears a lot more safe in the dugout after a fine run of recent form. As a result of a three-match winning streak across all competitions, Norwich currently hold eighth place and are now within four points of fifth place, just two away from the playoff spots.
Leeds United defeated Norwich 3-2 in what was a thrilling encounter at Carrow Road back in October last year. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Leeds United
The Peacocks have only got one injury concern heading into Wednesday’s encounter, with Wilfried Gnonto dealing with a hip injury. Barring any further fitness issues, Daniel Farke could stick with much of the same XI from the win over Preston despite the short turnaround. Captain Liam Cooper could come back in defence alongside Joe Rodon after successfully recovering from a groin issue.
As a result, Ethan Ampadu may be pushed forward to partner Glen Kamara in the engine room, with Ilia Gruev dropping out of the midfield equation. Patrick Bamford’s return to form has been pivotal for Leeds United, while Daniel James has also caught the eye with goals in the last three Championship matches.
Crysencio Summerville has been a star in this Leeds side, with 12 goals and seven assists in 25 league appearances this season, and he will be tasked with creating opportunities for his teammates. Joel Piroe got on the scoresheet versus Preston North End and could replace Georginio Rutter in the No. 10 role.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Cooper, Firpo; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Piroe, Summerville; Bamford
Norwich City
David Wagner has confirmed club captain and centre-back Grant Hanley (back) has returned to full training. The Scot can be involved for Norwich City at Leeds United, but he will definitely feature at Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Danny Batth (hamstring) was set to be out for 10–14 days after he picked up an injury in the FA Cup third-round replay against Bristol Rovers and missed out on the game against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend after undergoing scans.
Otherwise, Wagner has stated no fresh injury concerns from their impressive 2-0 victory over the Baggies, although Jaden Warner looks set to complete a loan move to League Two high flyers Notts County. Wagner confirmed talks are ongoing with interested parties.
The Canaries’ boss is unlikely to make many changes to his Norwich City eleven from the last game, meaning attacking options Christian Fassnacht and Adam Idah will have to contend with a bench role against Leeds United.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; McLean, Sara; Rowe, Barnes, Sainz; Sargent
Key Stats
- Leeds United have scored 31 goals in 14 Championship home games so far this season.
- Norwich City have lost just two of their 12 games since the start of December and are now on a run of five games without a defeat.
- The visitors have won their last three games in all competitions, while the hosts are riding on a four-game winning streak.
- The average xG for Leeds United in the Championship this season is 1.75, while Norwich are averaging 1.38 per game.
- The Canaries have conceded 43 goals in the Championship this season, the second-highest of any team in the top half of the table.
Player to Watch
Patrick Bamford
Leeds United’s recent resurgence has coincided with a return to goalscoring form for Patrick Bamford, who has found the net in three of the past four matches. Although he did not score against Preston North End last time out, he was causing Ryan Lowe’s defence myriad problems with the sharpness of his movement and combination play with players around him.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-1 Norwich City
With Norwich City turning the corner recently, this has the makings of a tightly contested encounter, especially given Leeds United’s’ failure to impress against Preston North End.
Nevertheless, the Whites have been near perfect since the turn of the year, and coupled with their excellent home record, they should have too much for the Canaries. The Hard Tackle predicts a narrow 2-1 victory for Daniel Farke’s charges at Elland Road this midweek.