The entire Championship playoffs could not be any more evenly poised as we head into the second legs. Both games ended 0-0 after the first legs, it's all to play for. On Thursday night, Leeds are the home team, welcoming Norwich to Elland Road, and while Leeds are now favourites with home advantage, it certainly won't be an easy night for them.
Leeds Form GuideI think Leeds needed a game to steady the ship after missing out on the automatic promotion spots, and they got that on Sunday. They went looking to play relatively defensive and stay in the game, and came away with a 0-0 tie, so are favourites with home advantage here.
But while I agree with the principle of it, their home form to end the season means that there will be a lot of pressure on here. They were beaten at home 2-1 by Southampton on the final day, and before that, lost 1-0 to Blackburn and drew 0-0 with Sunderland. To make it worse, if it's needed, I think the longer this game goes on without being ahead, the more the crowd will be on the backs of the players.
Norwich Form GuideI have to say, I was disappointed with Norwich on Sunday. Yes, they are still in the tie, and win this here, they'll be at Wembley. But they were at home, and in large parts, I thought they played like an away team happy to take the tie back to their stadium, which of course they aren't doing.
I do think they have the psychological edge though here, they were playing until the final day just to get into the playoffs, and don't come here on the back of disappointment like Leeds do. I do also think this Norwich side plays better as a counter attacking team, so being at Elland Road will allow them to do that.
Match PredictionI think this will be tight, and could go a long way, even into extra time and penalties. With the pressure on Leeds, the bet for me is Norwich on the double chance market. This covers them to win it, or the game to end in a draw after 90 minutes, and looks to offer decent value.
