Leeds vs Norwich (0-0) LIVE Commentary: Whites and Canaries battle to reach Wembley in play-off semi-final second leg

Leeds and Norwich meet again on Thursday with the aim of booking their place in the Championship play-off final, exclusively live on talkSPORT.

The two sides played out a goalless draw at Carrow Road last weekend and it left the tie wide open as they now face each other at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke’s side will be content with a draw in the first leg and now have the advantage of having the home support behind them.

In the opposite dugout, the Canaries failed to take the lead in the second leg and need an impressive result to set up a huge clash against Southampton or West Brom.

Leeds vs Norwich: Unpleasant scenes

Police have confirmed that one man has been charged and another bailed after a Leeds fan was attacked on Carrow Road.

A 60-year-old Leeds fan reported having his chin cut by an object thrown at him outside the stadium shortly after their opening clash.

Paramedics treated the victim, who did not need additional medical care.

Norfolk police said on Sunday they had arrested two men and confirmed on Monday that one had been charged and the second released on bail.

Leeds then posted a statement which read: “Leeds United condemns any violence at football matches which does not take place in the game.

“The club would like to thank the emergency services for their quick response to the supporter and the swift action taken following the incident.”

• The goalless draw in the first leg of this tie between Leeds United and Norwich City saw just 13 shots (7 Norwich, 6 Leeds) and 0.76 expected goals (0.51 Norwich, 0.25 Leeds). Only four league games in 2023-24 (including the play-offs) saw fewer shots and only four had a lower total xG.
• Leeds United have won both of their last two home games against Norwich City in all competitions; only from 1962 to 1972 did they ever win three in a row at home in the Canaries.

Leeds vs Norwich: Squad News

Archie Gray was played in an attacking midfield role in the first leg, with Georginio Rutter leading the line in front of him.

Farke could continue that experiment with Patrick Bamford expected to miss out again and Joel Piroe out of favour.

Pascal Strujk will remain sidelined while Dan James is fit to play after a substitute appearance on Sunday.

As for Norwich, Josh Sargent was brought off after picking up a knock last time out.

However, there are hopes that he will have recovered in time to start with Ashley Barnes also fighting to be fit to feature.

• In what is their third time in the Football League play-offs, Norwich are looking to reach the final for a third time, having previously done so in 2002 and 2015. If they do so, they will be only the sixth team to reach the finals in 100% of their appearances (min. 3 times).
• Leeds United are looking to reach a Football League play-off final for the fourth time and first since 2007-08 in League One. However, the Whites have been knocked out in the semi-finals in their last two play-off appearances (2008-09 in League One, 2018-19 in the Championship), both occasions seeing them play the second leg at home. .

Leeds vs Norwich: What was said?

Leeds boss Farke was left furious at an offside decision which led to Junior Firpo’s potential first-leg winner being sent off.

“Someone told me that Sky showed a picture where there was evidence that it was offside,” he said. “It’s not offside.

“We also have the rule that if in doubt, go in favor of the offensive team. This feels out of place. I am annoyed by this.

“We play at the highest level and the little details make the difference. If you score, the whole picture changes. Everyone talks about Wembley as a £100m game and at that level, all those decisions have to be right.

“It’s also important that the referee doesn’t get scared that the whole stadium is moaning if they don’t give offside, so if in doubt, he gives it to the home team.

“No, if in doubt, give it to the attacker. It’s definitely not offside if you look.

“I expect to be perfect with my decisions and with my players. Sorry, if you want to be in charge of a game like this, you have to do the same. I’m still very angry.”

• Norwich’s Josh Sargent has more goals (13) and involvement in the goal (14, 1 assist) than any other player in the Championship since 2024, although he has faced Leeds more times in the English league without scoring than any other team (4 games, 302 minutes). ).
• Leeds United have lost both of their last two home games, the last to lose more in a row at Elland Road in all competitions in March 2022 (4, all in the Premier League) and the last to do so while competing outside the top flight in October 2017 (3 in a row).

Leeds vs Norwich: talkSPORT coverage

This semi-final of the championship semi-final will take place on Thursday, May 16.

Kick-off at Elland Road is scheduled for 20:00.

talkSPORT will have EXCLUSIVE live coverage of the game presented by Hugh Woozencroft.

Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former Leeds striker Lucy Ward.

To connect to talkSPORT via the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.