Leeds United vs. Norwich City, EFL Cup Round Four preview: Cage the Canaries and Advance

What a difference a win makes. After last Tuesday’s draw against Wigan, we were all a little subdued heading into the Wolves game. However, after a regimented and solid performance we are all now back on cloud-nine and looking forward to Tuesday, where we hope to continue the momentum and advance in the EFL Cup.

I expect a few changes from both sides. However, I still expect a difficult game against a strong Norwich side, who themselves will be wanting to get back on track after a home defeat against Preston on Saturday. With the chance of progressing into the quarter-final and the possibility of winning the cup becoming more of a reality, I am sure both sides will be going into the match wanting a win.

We also have a real rivalry on our hands, at least if you agree with our Assistant Editor Ben Mallis, who argued last week that Norwich should be our most-hated club. Add in a (hopefully) large crowd with lowered prices, and Tuesday night should be fun. A few keys to the match...

Play positive attacking football

This season, we have been playing reasonably well. However, at home, we still seem to lack the ability to really take the game to the opposing side and drive home the advance when we are the dominant team. Norwich are a top quality side and if we are to beat them we are going to have to start the game fast and, when we are in the ascendancy, put the game beyond them.

The players need to express themselves

The lads have done well to reach the last 16 in the EFL Cup, but the benefit of cup football is that you often can play with a freedom that you can’t in a league game. There are only two outcomes on Tuesday night: win or lose.

Therefore, we can’t just sit back and play a regimented style. We need to be creative and the lads need to give everything and think outside of the box if we are to progress in the competition.

The fringe players need to step up

As I said earlier, I expect a few changes from the side who started at Molineux. The players who are called upon on Tuesday need to focus and look at the game as a gateway back into Garry Monk’s starting 11 in the league.

The defence will mostly look very different and they will have big shoes to fill as the Bartsson partnership is set to be broken up. Liam Cooper will have to forge a partnership with whichever of the formidable duo he starts alongside (likely Bartley) come 7:45 on Tuesday evening.

If the players can do everything listed above, we may be in for a good night.

Previous Results

Over the last ten years, Leeds have faced Norwich on ten occasions and have a decent record against the Canaries: winning 4, drawing 4 and only losing twice.

Form

Leeds Last Ten: W-W-D-W-L-W-W-L-D-W

Norwich Last Ten: W-W-W-W-W-L-W-W-D-L

It’s going to be a fun two nights of EFL Cup action, especially if we can pull it off and advance to the quarter-finals. Here’s the round’s fixtures:

Can’t wait.

WHAT

Leeds United vs. Norwich City

EFL Cup Round Four

WHERE

Elland Road, Leeds

LUTV, BBC Radio Leeds, International Streams

WHEN

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

11:45am PT / 2:45pm ET / 7:45pm BT

WHO

Leeds United’s predicted XI

Silvestri, Coyle, Bartley, Cooper, Taylor, Grimes, Phillips, Hernandez, Vieira, Mowatt, Antonsson

Norwich City’s predicted XI

Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Bennett, Olsson, Thompson, Naismith, Pritchard, Castro Oliveira, Brady, Murphy

ODDS

Leeds 7/4

Draw 23/10

Norwich 6/4

PREDICTION

I have the feeling the game is going to be a cracker and we are going to see a flurry of goals at Elland Road for the first time this season. I’m going with 3-2 to Leeds. With the ticket prices being lowered, Elland Road will be rocking and Leeds will be marching on into the last 8 of the EFL Cup. MOT.