Daniel Farke’s first inside and the undeniable gap between Leeds United and Norwich set the agenda

Leeds United are set to face Norwich City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-finals this weekend. The clash will take place on Sunday at Carrow Road.

The Whites last played in the push for play-off promotion in 2018/19, where Marcelo Bielsa’s side were stunned by a late comeback from Frank Lampard’s Derby County at Elland Road.

Leeds won the first leg 1–0 away but then suffered a 4–2 defeat in front of the home crowd as substitute Jack Marriott sent his side through to the final with an 85th-minute goal.

Despite the play-off disappointment, Leeds secured the league title the following season and moved up the English football table for the 2020/21 season. However, after being relegated last season, the club are once again looking for promotion back to the Premier League.

While the pressure of the game will probably always be a factor, Daniel Farke’s side have more reasons to be confident going into this monumental game.

Here, at LeedsLivewe’ve rounded up all the reasons why the fan base, players and staff should be feeling confident ahead of the game.

Consider the gap

Despite the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion at Ipswich Town on the final day of the season, Leeds can take some confidence from their position in the table.

A tally of 90 points is a huge total from Farke, who would have secured a place in the top two in 50% of the last four seasons. It is also 17 points more than Norwich have taken throughout the campaign, representing a considerable gap between the two sides.

Leeds can show their quality in both legs of this fixture. If they play like the fans, players and manager know they are capable of, they should overwhelm their future opponents.

Double delight

As if points and league position weren’t enough to see them through, Leeds have already shown their dominance against David Wagner’s side this season.

A 3-2 win at Carrow Road, which is the venue for the first leg on Sunday, in October and a 1-0 win at home in January. Leeds know how to beat this team and having that mental edge over them could be crucial on Sunday.

Football doesn’t always play out predictably, but anyone who had to choose between the two teams would lean towards the team that secured all six points in their last two meetings.

Read more: Leeds United exit, form myth and why Norwich should be on alert

Summerville star man

It’s no surprise that Leeds have won both of their games against Norwich when you consider the talent they have in their ranks. And they don’t get much better than Crysencio Summerville.

Winner of the 2023/24 Championship Player of the Season, Summerville is getting into all sides of the league and is also attracting interest from top Premier League clubs. His 19 goals and nine assists have been crucial for Leeds this season and Norwich really felt the full force of his talents after the winger scored a brace against them in the away win in October.

Summerville himself is also brimming with confidence, having made the following statement while accepting his award. “I’m on a different level than I was before,” he said.

“The manager plays a big role and I’m happy with the manager and the way he treats the players. We have a young group but it’s been a good season so far.

“When I went down I thought I would stay at Leeds and help the team get back to where it belongs and I’m happy I can help the team with my assists and goals. The championship is very difficult and it’s very tough, but I’m happy because I like the games.”

Elland Castle Road

As previously mentioned, football doesn’t always turn out the way everyone predicts. It’s part of the reason we love him – but it can strike fear into doubt in the most confident of teams. Carrow Road will bounce back on Sunday and coming up with any sort of result – whether it’s a win or a draw – will be difficult.

Even if Leeds lose the game, the players can take solace in the fact that the Elland Road crowd will be right behind them in the second leg. At the very least, if the Whites keep Norwich within striking distance after the first leg, home ground advantage could propel them into the final.

Fantastic Farke

Last but not least, Daniel Farke. The German has managed over 200 games in his managerial career and has also secured the Championship title on two separate occasions with Norwich.

It’s his first taste of the play-offs, but he won’t mind. He is familiar with Carrow Road, having spent four years there as manager. He admitted that the first game back at the club earlier this season in October was emotional, however, the second game was “business as usual” at Elland Road. Expect more of the same this weekend.

“It’s a bit special. My first return to Carrow Road as opposition manager was quite an emotional one. The second game felt a bit like business as usual,” Farke said of facing his former club again.

“I will always be grateful to this club for the fantastic memories and a great time. It’s always good to be able to meet some nice, friendly and kind people there again, but my only focus now (is Leeds).

“It looks like this team is the third best team in the league, we deserve to be rewarded with promotion. This is my only focus. I want to promote with this team because this group, the supporters and the club deserve it. That’s my only thought at the moment, so it won’t be long before I get too excited or think about saying hello to some people. It’s more like a normal game.”