Chris Sutton has responded to Robbie Savage when asked if Leeds United are now expected to knock Norwich City out of the Championship play-offs after a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road.
Daniel Farke took his Leeds side to Norwich for a third meeting between his current side and former employers this season, having picked up two wins against The Canaries during the regular campaign.
But Leeds came into the game in a dismal run of form, losing four of the last six and missing out on automatic promotion to the Premier League to Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town, who finished second.
A 0-0 draw then at Carrow Road sees Leeds avoid defeat and plug the lead in defence, handing the Whites some confidence going into the second leg with the Elland Road atmosphere behind them.
Leeds will be favourites to now win the clash but Sutton, who started his career at Norwich and played 127 times for The Canaries, still has a feeling that Norwich will quality. Here is what he has said:
Sutton tells Savage that he thinks Norwich will beat Leeds
All the signs are now pointing towards Farke’s side ahead of Thursday night. Home advantage, Leeds beating Norwich twice in the regular season, and Norwich’s dismal away record during 2023-24.
Despite Norwich finishing in sixth, their away record was the 19th-worst in the whole division with just six wins from 23 games and 11 defeats. But Sutton told BBC’s 606 that he still fancies Norwich to beat Leeds.
“Christopher, you’ve got to fancy Leeds haven’t you?” Savage asked, before Sutton replied: “Do you know what? I don’t think that’s the worst result [for Norwich]. Elland Road, right, brilliant stadium that it is.
“But with what’s at stake? Josh Sargent went off injured towards the end, that’s a worry, but imagine if Leeds fans get a little bit nervy, I’ve got a feeling for the Canaries, Rob,” Sutton continued, in response.
David Wagner is still confident Norwich can beat Leeds
In stark contrast to Norwich’s away form, Leeds have been excellent at home under Farke during the 2023-24 season. Indeed, The Whites were the second-best side in front of their own fans this season.
A whopping 16 wins from 23 league games, and 53 points from a possible 69. Leeds will be hoping they can produce that kind of consistency on Thursday night, but Wagner is still confident his side can win.
“Not an automatic advantage to have the second leg at home. We know how to be super competitive. Fine with what I’ve seen, love to win, but I’ve seen enough to have belief, confidence in the second leg.”