Norwich City and Leeds United square off in the Championship playoff semi-final first leg with both teams looking to claim the upper hand. Neither side ended the regular season on a high and plagued by defensive problems lately, they could be set to serve up goals in this one.
It was a disappointing end to the regular season for Norwich City, who picked up just one win from their final five matches. David Wagner’s men were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham City in their previous Championship fixture.
Norwich City have been plagued by draws in recent weeks and were held three times in the last five matches, including successive stalemates in their last two home fixtures. They have also shown some defensive vulnerability, keeping just one clean sheet in that run.
Leeds United endured one of the most disappointing ends to the season as they were top with only weeks left to play before capitulating in their final matches. They have lost four of their last six fixtures and travel to Carrow Road off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton.
Part of the problem for Leeds United has been dodgy defending having kept just one clean sheet in their last eight matches. However, Daniel Farke’s men have fared a bit better on their travels and are unbeaten in four of their last six away matches.
How the bookies view it: Leeds favoured to claim the upper hand
Leeds United have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 23/20 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Norwich City is priced at 9/4 by bet365 who is also offering odds of 12/5 for a draw.
Recent head to head: Leeds have dominated recent meetings
Leeds United have the upper hand in recent matches against Norwich City, claiming five wins from the last six meetings. They did the double over the Canaries in the regular season, with the clash at Carrow Road ending 3-2.
Players to watch: Summerville to carry form into the playoffs
Crysencio Summerville was the standout player for Leeds United in the regular season, scoring 19 goals. The forward netted a brace in the meeting at Carrow Road and is priced at 9/4 by bet365 to get on the score sheet once again.
Norwich City have attacking quality of their own, with Josh Sargent, who was their leading scorer in the regular season with 16 goals. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on at 12/5 by bet365.
Probable line-ups
Patrick Bamford is doubtful for Leeds United due to injury, which means Joel Piroe is expected to lead the line. West Brom have no new injuries, although Jonathan Rowe could feature in the starting line-up having come off the bench at Birmingham City.
Norwich City: Gunn, Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, McCallum, Sorensen, McLean, Sara, Rowe, Nunez, Sargent.
Leeds United: Meslier, Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo, Kamara, Gruev, Summerville, Gnonto, Rutter, Piroe
Anything else catch the eye? Attacks to shine in open encounter
It was a five goal thriller in the clash at Carrow Road and another open contest could be on the cards. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 11/5 with bet365, who are also offering 10/11 for over 2.5 goals.
There have been second half goals for both teams in two of Leeds United’s last three matches and a repeat is priced at 9/4 by bet365.
This England Championship match between Norwich City and Leeds United will be played on May 12, 2024 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Norwich City vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
