Leeds United will travel to Carrow Road on Saturday to take on fellow promotion challengers Norwich City. The Canaries were touted to be one of the strongest contenders for an immediate return to the Premier League even before a ball was kicked this season. Now placed fourth in the table, they are still very much in the running but their recent slump in form is concerning.
On the other hand, Leeds United are looking much improved compared to the last campaign and are just one point off the final playoff spot.
Norwich’s humiliating 5-0 defeat on the South Coast last weekend has left them with the 3rd worst defensive record in the Championship and they will be asked questions by the performing Leeds’ attack.
Garry Monk has done a great job at Elland Road despite a poor start. The Whites have looked more composed on the ball in recent weeks. They are sound defensively and there is a certain feel good factor at Elland Road right now.
Leeds and Norwich met each other recently in the fourth round of League cup and Monk’s side won the game on penalties after a 2-2 stalemate. Here is the predicted Leeds United lineup against Norwich City.
Defence
Veteran shot-stopper Robert Green will line up between the sticks for the Whites. We expect Monk to stick to the centre-back pairing of Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson who have done a brilliant job at the heart of the defence this season.
Liam Cooper will once again sit out with the current centre-back pair performing out of their skin. Luke Ayling should keep his place at right-back even through Gaetano Berardi is fit again. Charlie Taylor will start at left-back.
Leeds have performed really well defensively this season which is the biggest reason why they are close to the playoff spots. The back four needs to keep up their game in order to continue the Whites’ quest for promotion.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips and Eunan O’Kane are likely to keep their respective places in the middle of the park. Both have been excellent this season and Monk should not alter the winning formula.
We expect to see young Ronaldo Vieira getting a start as a number ten. The 18-year-old is a serious talent and has a brilliant manager in Monk who will definitely get the best out of him.
Attack
Youngster Hadi Sacko will keep his place on the right flank. Kemar Roofe will start on the opposite flank. Chris Wood has been in decent form in front of goal this season with seven goals already to his name from 15 games. The Kiwi international will be looking to add to his tally against the Canaries.
