After a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the play-off semi-final, the tie between Leeds United and Norwich City is very much still wide open.
It seemed as if both teams were rather content with the result, with neither wanting to give the other an advantage entering the second leg. However, with the first leg being at Carrow Road, Leeds are potentially the happier with the result.
The draw means that Norwich have to go on the offensive at Elland Road on Thursday night, which could leave them rather open to a counter-attack. It is well documented just how lethal Leeds’ attack is when on song, but that wasn’t really the case in the previous leg.
An improved performance can be expected in front of their own fans and Daniel Farke’s side will go into it as favourites. Having just missed out on automatic promotion, it would be severely disappointing if they were to not gain promotion via the play-offs and Farke could be in some trouble if that was to happen.
Norwich, who would only scrape into the final play-off place, probably don’t have as much to lose and the pressure is certainly off playing away from home. That could potentially help their chances and if able to get an early goal, could be rather hard to break down
Here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see the game panning out and who will make the Championship play-off final…
“Neither team were able to find an edge, or a go-ahead goal in the first leg, which was probably fair based off of the balance of play. As a result both teams will have to go for this, and a more attacking display is expected.
“Leeds are obviously the favourites with the tie being played at Elland Road but that does bring added pressure with it which may well negatively affect the players.
“It’s the opposite for Norwich, who could well thrive with the pressure being off of their shoulders. We could be due an upset, and David Wagner’s side could be the ones advancing to the final. It all depends on what Leeds side turns up as they’re obviously the better side when at their best, but the Canaries will be making life hard for them regardless and could get the job done.”
Leeds United 1-3 Norwich City
“Both teams will have been arguably pleased with the result in the first leg. Leeds will be confident they can now get the job done in front of their raucous home support whilst Norwich know that taking the lead here will put their opponents on the back foot.
“The pressure will be on Daniel Farke’s side, having come so close to automatic promotion. The Canaries won’t mind being written off, although the fitness of Josh Sargent could be a concern after he was forced off with an ankle injury at Carrow Road.
“All three meetings between the pair have been tight affairs this season and this one will be the same. However, Leeds cannot afford to blow this opportunity and should get over the line.”
Leeds United 2-1 Norwich City
Senior Editor
