Sky Sports pundit highlights major injury concerns that could decide Leeds United v Norwich City this week

VaselineMay 14, 2024

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Sky Sports pundit highlights major injury concerns that could decide Leeds United v Norwich City this week

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Chris Sutton, former professional player and pundit looks on before the Viaplay Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on February 26, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Leeds United welcome Norwich City to Elland Road on Thursday for the second leg of their play-off semi-final with the scoreline well balanced at 0-0.

The Championship play-offs began on Sunday with Leeds making the trip to East Anglia to face Norwich City at Carrow Road, sixth from third in the division.

Neither team came into the game with great form behind them, and it showed in a game that saw very little goal action and a 0-0 draw until the end.

Leeds v Norwich Preview: Form Guide

Leeds at home this season have been largely formidable, with a long unbeaten run to boast, but that has collapsed with back-to-back defeats in the last two against Blackburn and Southampton.

Meanwhile, David Wagner’s side are not at their best when on the road and it will be a case of who can recover from their latest poor spell to claim the top spot at Wembley out of the four Championship sides.

	Leeds’ home form	Form of departure from Norwich
played	2. 3	2. 3
Win	16	6
Draw	5	6
Loss	2	11
Goals scored	45	36
Goals against	16	42
League rank	the 2nd	19

Who will win the playoffs?

Chris Sutton predicts ‘nervous’ atmosphere at Elland Road

Former Norwich striker and current Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton reckons the draw for the Canaries isn’t too bad in this second leg.

The atmosphere on the pitch could play a big part, but Sutton also believes the injury concern for Josh Sargent could be crucial after he was forced off in the second half on Sunday.

Speaking to BBC 606, he said:

“You know what I don’t think is the worst outcome. Elland Road, brilliant stadium that it is, what’s at stake, Norwich’s away form isn’t great, Josh Sargeant is out injured and that’s a concern.

“But imagine if the Leeds fans get a bit nervous? I have a feeling for The Canaries.”

After the match, Wagner revealed that Sargent had injured his ankle “again”, leaving him a doubt for the second leg as Ashley Barnes was already sitting out.

Elland Road could help decide the play-off clash either way

It’s interesting about the Elland Road crowd because when they bounce, it doesn’t matter what team they’re playing – they’re absorbed in a contest they’re not going to win, even the top teams in the PL have shown that.

However, it goes the other way around, which Sutton alludes to, with a nervous home crowd often fearing the worst and the worst usually following.

The Blackburn defeat was a prime example, the longer the game went on the bleaker it looked for us and Norwich will be hoping for that.