Leeds United play host to Norwich City on Wednesday evening looking to strengthen their bid of achieving an automatic promotion spot come the end of the season.

At a time when the home side sit in fourth position in the Championship table, Norwich are eighth and within touching distance of moving into the playoff places.

Match preview

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Given the manner of their performances against each of Birmingham City and Cardiff City, the assumption was that Leeds would make light work of Preston North End on Sunday.

Instead, an early goal for the visitors forced the Yorkshire giants to work much harder than they may have envisaged, as they only sealed a 2-1 victory through a last-gasp penalty.

Joel Piroe's spot kick ensured that Leeds remained on the coattails of the top three, staying within four points of Ipswich Town ahead of the Tractor Boys travelling to leaders Leicester City on Monday night.

Regardless of the outcome of that fixture, Daniel Farke can only be encouraged by the trajectory of his team, particularly at Elland Road when they are unbeaten in 14 Championship fixtures.

Their form away from home will eventually have to improve, but Farke will be solely focused on trying to overcome his former side, who are showing signs that they could become a factor in the playoff race.

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On a couple of occasions this season, David Wagner has potentially been one defeat away from losing his job as Norwich boss, yet the German now looks far more secure in the dugout.

Since the start of December, the Canaries have lost just two of their 12 games - both by 1-0 scorelines - and they are now on a run of five games without defeat.

Impressively, seven points have been collected from a triple-header of Southampton, Hull City and West Bromwich Albion, clubs who all sit above Norwich in the table.

The end result is Norwich now being within four points of fifth place, realistically the best that they can currently hope for with Leeds 13 points ahead in fourth.

Nevertheless, with seven points coming from their last five away games, Norwich cannot be ruled out of closing that gap on Wednesday.

Team News

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The short turnaround for Leeds may result in Farke tinkering with his starting lineup, potentially handing a recall to Piroe.

Patrick Bamford could potentially drop down to the substitutes' bench, while Liam Cooper may start in defence after successfully returning after a groin issue.

Wilfried Gnonto will have a hip injury assessed, but the Italy international will not be considered for a starting role.

Meanwhile, Wagner is unlikely to make many changes - if any - to his Norwich XI after the win over West Brom.

Christian Fassnacht and Adam Idah are both alternatives in the final third, but they may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Cooper, Firpo; Ampadu, Kamara; James, Rutter, Summerville; Piroe

Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; McLean, Sara; Rowe, Barnes, Sainz; Sargent

We say: Leeds United 2-1 Norwich City

With Norwich having improved of late, this has the potential to be an even contest, particularly given how Leeds failed to convince against Preston. Nevertheless, they have momentum from that contest, leading us to predict another maximum return for Leeds in a close fixture.


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