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The Championship returns to our screens this weekend as the battle to reach the play-off final gets underway.
There are two first-leg play-off semi-finals taking place on Sunday, May 12. The first sees Norwich City host Leeds United at 12 pm BST before West Brom take on Southampton at The Hawthorns at 2:15 pm BST.
Norwich City head into Sunday’s clash as 9/4 outsiders to pick up a win, while Leeds United can be backed at 23/20 to take a lead into the reverse leg next week.
Norwich vs Leeds
Norwich go into Sunday’s game as heavy underdogs. The Canaries have previously enjoyed success in the play-offs, beating Middlesbrough in the final back in 2015 to clinch promotion to the Premier League. However, they finished 3rd in the league that season on 86 points.
This time around, Norwich earned just 73 points and their 6th-place finish was not confirmed until the final day of the normal 2023/24 Championship campaign. Norwich are also hampered by the fact that in the last 10 years, the 6th-place team has never gone on to win the play-offs.
As for Leeds United, they ended 2023/24 on a rather shocking run of form, with one win in five allowing Ipswich Town to climb above them into the final automatic promotion place.
However, the Whites are still heavy favourites to go on and win the play-offs. Leeds finished the normal season on 90 points, 17 clear of Norwich and on 10 more points than last season’s play-off winners, Luton Town. Leeds will also take solace in the fact that in the last 10 years, the 3rd-place team have gone on to win the play-offs four times - at least one more time than any other position.
Norwich vs Leeds betting stats
Here are some key Norwich and Leeds stats to keep in mind as you prepare to make your selections ahead of the game:
- Leeds have never won promotion via the Football League play-offs in five previous appearances.
- Leeds have won their last four matches against Norwich City in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in six of Norwich’s past 10 home league games.
- Norwich City have scored two or more goals in seven of their past 10 home matches, while Leeds United have scored two or more goals in six of their past 10 away matches.
- Leeds have lost four of their last six Championship matches, while Norwich have picked up just one win five.
- Norwich’s Josh Sargent has either scored or assisted in 11 of his 13 home Championship games this season.
Norwich vs Leeds Top Tip
- Norwich’s Josh Sargent has scored in 10 of his 13 home league games this season.
Today’s Football Tips
There is no Championship action today but there are a number of Premier League matches taking place, with the marquee fixture set to see Manchester City face off with Fulham.
Manchester City travel away from home to take on Fulham, and we’ve got it covered with our bet builder of the day article, while for those of you looking to place an acca, we have our acca of the day lined up and ready to go.
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