Norwich City v Leeds United: YEP Jury verdicts

MIKE GILL

Looking back to the wonderful League Cup tie against Norwich at Elland Road, it is a fact that before Leeds forced their way into the game, the Canaries’ fans were amongst the noisiest group to visit us.

It did, of course, become a different story as United fought back twice and sent their opponents away with their tails between their legs after a shootout Leeds seemed destined to win.

The full-strength Canaries then went to Brighton still carrying the emotional scars and were trounced 5-0.

Meanwhile, Leeds dug deep to beat Burton.

This all looks positive until you look at Norwich’s home record where they have only lost one game and have shipped six goals rather than 18!

This makes them a much tougher prospect, but there must be a bit of doubt and uncertainty creeping in, especially as their home defeat was their most recent home match against Preston.

United can feed these doubts by preventing their opponents from scoring in the first 30 minutes – something they’re more than capable of doing. This should be enough to silence the Canaries fans.

If Leeds manage to score the first goal then they should win. With the way the confidence is surging through the side at the moment, this is more than possible.

Kemar Roofe or Souleymane Doukara? Both played well against Burton and Roofe was unfortunate not to score, but the big Frenchman deserves the nod for his sheer persistence and determination.

You also feel that this is the kind of game that would benefit from the extra muscle that he provides.

Just over two years ago it was Doukara who scored the equaliser at Carrow Road after a great through ball from Adryan (remember him?). This kept Darko Milanic in a job for another four days. This time another 1-1 draw would be seen in a much more positive light, but, as performances improve, so do expectations and I’m backing United to go one better.

Prediction: Norwich City 1 Leeds United 2.

KEITH INGHAM

There are not many times I’ve put finger to keyboard that my preview has ever been more positive in my head.

Things are good and there is positivity from all. Three great results, a trip to Liverpool at the end of the month and a sell-out for the first time in years for the upcoming home game with the ‘Toon’.

I could pretty much leave it at that with a score prediction at the end but we have to move on, so here I go. Next up is Norwich, the team we beat in a superb week just gone and I have a feeling we’ll meet a ‘wounded animal’ come Saturday. Two Championship defeats, the last one 5-0 at Brighton, will definitely have shaken Alex Neil’s team to the core. Norwich made nine changes for the EFL Cup game with Leeds; most, if not all, will be amongst the starting XI. Among those absent was Cameron Jerome – their top scorer – and he’ll prove a handful for United’s defence. Norwich have a Premier League squad with many match winners to be wary of. The Leeds team, bar Liam Bridcutt, picks itself with only one place up for grabs – Souleymane Doukara for Kemar Roofe at left-midfield.

The last game before another international break could be a cracker. A draw wouldn’t be a bad result; a win would cap an incredible past two weeks.

When it’s good ...

Prediction: Norwich City 2 Leeds United 2.

DAVID WATKINS

I suppose the big question is: do Norwich have one more poor performance in them for their current ragged run? Just like Wolves when we went to Molineux two weeks ago, Norwich are on a run of four without a win including a 5-0 pummelling at Brighton last weekend and a home defeat to Preston before that. It’s always a dangerous time to visit a side after they’ve just had a walloping as pride is at stake and they often regroup but Leeds ought to go to Carrow Road with no fear this time although the home side may want revenge for that EFL Cup defeat we inflicted on them last week.

Two years ago we went there with little hope at all and yet still came away with a creditable 1-1 draw thanks to a typically accurate shot by Doukara that nestled in the corner of the Canaries net.

This time around I’d be happy with the same outcome, Norwich cannot have become a poor team overnight and closer inspection of the Brighton defeat shows they were right in that one until the final half hour when by all accounts they “gave up”.

Prediction: Norwich City 1 Leeds United 1

GARY NEWBOULD

Fresh from three victories in a week United head to East Anglia to take on Norwich City at Carrow Road tomorrow afternoon.

After being the early season pace setters the Canaries have had their wings clipped of late. After losing the recent cup tie in dramatic fashion at Elland Road Alex Neil’s side suffered a humbling defeat away at Brighton, sparking a serious internal inquest, so beware the wounded animal!

The first goal could well be crucial but if United show the same level of organisation and commitment of late then there is no reason why they can’t take a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Norwich City 2 Leeds United 2.

STEPHEN CLARK

Leeds United start a key period of the season with a trip to Carrow Road to take on Norwich City tomorrow. After a relatively comfortable run of fixtures the Whites face a run into the New Year full of high profile matches that will be a true measure of the club’s ability to sustain a real bid for a top-six place.

The first of those is against a Norwich side who will be looking to bounce back after a trying ten days or so. The penalty shootout defeat at Elland Road is fresh in their memory but more painful will be the 5-0 hammering they received at Brighton last time out.

Leeds’ line up is likely to be unchanged, and to be honest when the team is winning there is no need to tinker. The defence will need to be rock solid against one of the best teams in the division, and the rest of the side will need to work hard if there is to be any reward from this game. But Garry Monk’s side are on a roll and the self belief in the team and the support is growing. A win would be marvellous but I will genuinely be delighted with a point from this one.

Prediction: Norwich City 1 Leeds United 1.

MATTHEW EVANS

It’s hard to know what to expect from tomorrow’s game. On the one hand, United seem to be on an upturn in form while Norwich are perhaps on a downturn. On the other hand, Norwich have a point to prove after our meeting last week and United are due a stinker.

As in the cup tie, on paper, Norwich should take the points. Leeds are hard to beat though and Garry Monk and squad will want a good showing ahead of the international break and before a really tricky run of fixtures.

I think we travel in hope but with no pressure. Norwich will be well up for it and home advantage will win out.

Prediction: Norwich City 2 Leeds United 0.