Leeds vs Norwich Predictions: For a shot at the Premier League
After an incredibly nervy and goalless first leg in the Championship play-off semi-final, Leeds United and Norwich City meet again on Thursday night for a place at Wembley. This time at Elland Road, it is all to play for as these former Premier League clubs strive to make it back to the top tier of English football.
Here are a few markets to consider adding to your bet slip...
Team News
Leeds started with youngster Archie Gray in midfield in East Anglia, but Daniel Farke may decide to go more attacking on home soil against his former side. Joel Piroe could come in for Georginho Rutter who underperformed at Carrow Road, while Dan James is set to be used as a dangerous option off the bench once again.
David Wagner will be concerned about the fitness of his star striker Josh Sargent, who was forced off with an injury in that first leg. He is the only doubt ahead of this second leg for Norwich, as Jon Rowe started on the right, with Borja Sainz on the left. Expect that attacking trio to be unchanged if the American is deemed fit to play.
Leeds vs Norwich Match Odds
Leeds are the favourites to win this game, priced at 29/50 to book their place at Wembley in 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Norwich are 21/5 for the win in 90, with a draw available at 57/20. Over 2.5 goals can be backed at 79/100 and BTTS is 17/20.
BTTS Yes @ 17/20
I thought there would be goals in the first leg, but Leeds showed a different side to themselves as Farke successfully set his side up to come out of Carrow Road unscathed. The Whites were not their usual fluid selves in East Anglia, but I believe all of that will change in this one-game shootout.
Crysencio Summerville, James, Piroe and Rutter all have immense attacking quality and Leeds scored 81 goals in the regular league season. Given what is riding on this game, I think both teams will find the net at some point. Whoever scores first is going to face an onslaught as the other team desperately tries to save their season.
Leeds should set up in a far more attacking manner this time around, but they’ve also been caught out at Elland Road before. The pressure they could come under will be massive, and I don’t think they’ll be able to keep Norwich out. Both teams to find the net is my first selection for this crucial match.
Draw or away win in 90 mins @ 10/9
Leeds are the heavy favourites for this one, but I’m not quite sure they are going to get the job done. This game can only go one of two ways in my eyes. Either Leeds score early in front of a raucous Elland Road, and they beat Norwich by three or four on the way to Wembley. Or, Norwich hold firm for the first 20 minutes, and Elland Road turns into a cauldron of frustration.
We saw Leeds choke in the play-offs on home soil against Derby County, and that was when they held a lead heading into the second leg. The atmosphere is likely to be hugely supportive for the first period of the game, but if Norwich can get through that - I think they’ve got a real chance. Elland Road will be nervy, and the pressure is on them to get the job done.
What I like about this selection is that we are only backing Leeds not to win in 90 minutes. If the scores are level and it goes to extra-time or penalties, and the home side get to Wembley, we will still be onto a winner. I just don’t think this is going to be a straightforward night, no matter the final outcome, for the home side.
