Preview: Norwich City vs. Leeds United – prediction, team news, lineups

City of Norwich and Leeds United will continue their bid for promotion to the Premier League on Sunday afternoon when they meet in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.

Both teams suffered defeats on the final day of the regular season, but still managed to finish sixth and third in the standings.

Match preview

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When the playoffs roll around each year, the general consensus is that the in-form teams have the best chance of advancing, regardless of their finals position.

Leeds will hope that is not the case this year Daniel Farkehis team lost four of their last six games of the regular campaign.

Last weekend’s 2-1 comeback at home to Southampton was their third consecutive game without a win at Elland Road. In addition, they scored only one goal.

Farke’s side’s away form hasn’t been much better. Although they overcame Middlesbrough in a seven-goal thriller at the Riverside Stadium, this was followed by a 4-0 reverse at Queens Park Rangers.

Since returning from the international break in March, Leeds have kept just one clean sheet and conceded a total of 15 goals in eight games, hardly the return they would have wanted ahead of a trip to Norwich.

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Although Norwich have recorded draws in their last two matches at Carrow Road, they still boast one of the most impressive home records in English football.

You have to go back to November 5 for the last time the Canaries suffered defeat on familiar ground, an unbeaten run that has now reached 15 games.

However, this is also a side that have won just one of their last five games in the second tier, that being a 1-0 success at Preston North End.

David WagnerHis side ended the regular campaign with a 1–0 reverse at Birmingham City, extending their run of games without scoring more than twice in a single meeting to eight.

As for the corresponding early season fixture, Leeds would emerge victorious by a scoreline of 3–2 in October, overturning a two-goal deficit with three goals in 22 minutes of the second half.

Norwich City Championship form:

Leeds United’s Championship form:

Team news

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Farke confirmed that Norwich trio Liam Gibbs, Onel Hernandez and Ashley Barnes all will miss Sunday’s encounter at Carrow Road.

Jonathan Rowe is in contention for a start after a string of substitute outings since recovering from injury, but it is plausible that Wagner could name the same starting line-up despite the defeat at St Andrew’s.

As for Leeds, Patrick Bamford was ruled out of both legs of the semi-finals as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.

While Daniel James is pushing for a return from injury, the winger is likely to be named among the substitutes at best.

Archie Gray he is expected to return to the starting line-up at right-back in what may prove to be the only change.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, McCallum; Sorensen, McLean; Sara, Nunez, Sainz; sergeant

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Tradesman; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Pyro

We say: Norwich City 1-2 Leeds United

Norwich’s home form means they are a threat to anyone, especially an out-of-form Leeds side. However, the play-offs can sometimes be a lottery and we think the visitors will find something extra in the final third to establish an advantage ahead of the second leg.

For data analysis with most likely results, scores and more for this match, please click here.

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