Leeds vs Norwich: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

A barnstorming Championship play-off encounter is in store at Elland Road on Thursday night as Leeds United take on Norwich City with the tie firmly in the balance.

Sunday produced two typically cagey first legs as Southampton and West Brom played out a stalemate in the Midlands after Leeds and Norwich had done the same at Carrow Road.

Leeds would've undoubtedly left East Anglia the happier of the two sides, although a tense evening is expected in the second leg with so much at stake. Daniel Farke's side duelled Leicester and Ipswich Town for an automatic promotion spot and, at one point, looked like they could've gone on to win the title.

However, Leicester's recovery and Leeds' struggles down the stretch saw them sink to third and settle for a spot in the play-offs.

Norwich are in similarly poor form to their opponents, winning just two of their last eight, and failing to win at Carrow Road on Sunday could be crucial in deciding the victor of this tie given that David Wagner's side haven't lost on home soil since November. Their away form has been far more spotty, and Elland Road will be rocking on Thursday night.

Here's 90min's preview of the game.

Leeds vs Norwich H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Leeds vs Norwich on TV and live stream

Leeds team news

Patrick Bamford will miss Thursday's second leg / Ed Sykes/GettyImages

Pascal Struijk will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing groin surgery, while Patrick Bamford has a patellar tendon issue and will be a doubt for the final if Leeds progress on Thursday night.

Former Manchester United winger Daniel James was back in action on Sunday and the Welshman will battle Willy Gnonto for a start down Leeds' right in the second leg.

Leeds predicted lineup vs Norwich

Leeds predicted lineup vs Norwich (4-3-3): Meslier; Byram, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gray, Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville.

Norwich team news

Josh Sargent was forced off in the closing stages of the first leg and is a doubt for the return fixture in Yorkshire. Wagner also likely won't be able to call upon a potential replacement for the American in Ashley Barnes, who's struggled with a calf injury.

Liam Gibbs and Onel Hernandez remain sidelined for the visitors.

Norwich predicted lineup vs Leeds

Norwich predicted lineup vs Leeds (4-3-3): Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, Giannoulis; Nunez, McLean, Sara; Rowe, Van Hooijdonk, Sainz

Leeds vs Norwich score prediction

The attacking exuberance typically associated with these two teams failed to manifest at Carrow Road, and, in truth, neither side has fired on all cylinders down the stretch.

That, however, could change on Thursday night with both teams needing to rise to the occasion. This is a hugely significant bout, and you've got to back the home side given the circumstances.

Leeds' first leg draw was a great result, and although they've proven to be vulnerable at Elland Road as of late, the home faithful will expect to roar their side to the right side of the result on Thursday.