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Sunday 22/1 Norwich v Leeds Bet Builder

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Double chance: Norwich and draw
Gabriel Sara To score
Under 3.5 goals
Half time Norwich

The latest football odds are now on PaddyPower.com

Sunday 12pm: Norwich v Leeds
First leg of the tournament semi-finals at Carrow Raod
TV: Sky Sports Main Event

Double chance: Norwich and draw

Does form matter until the play-offs? Some say yes and some say no. Certainly in the case of both Norwich and Leeds, it would be fair to say that respective managers David Wagner and Daniel Farke will say no, or at least they hope so! Norwich head into the first leg having won once in six and twice in seven, while Leeds have won one in six and two in eight.

There is no doubt that Leeds have simply looked different since returning from the international break in March. They have lost more games in their previous six than in their previous 21 in all competitions. Some suggest the pressure has gotten to them, but it will increase for these play-off battles. They finished third so are considered favorites for promotion. However, Norwich are very strong at Carrow Road and difficult to oppose. It is 16 unbeaten in all competitions, including points against rivals Ipswich, Southampton and West Brom.

Gabriel Sara To score

There are three outstanding attacking players in the Norwich team, one of whom is Gabriel Sara. He, along with Josh Sargent and Jonathan Rowe, are by far the biggest contributors in goals and assists. These combined stats see Sara at the top of the list; he has been directly involved in around 32% of their goals in the league.

Although he signed primarily as a creative player, he has added goals to his game on a more consistent basis. This is already his career best scoring season with 14 in all competitions. His ability to occupy spaces in and around the final third makes him a huge threat, and with Leeds keeping a clear half of the eight, the Brazilian is tipped to improve on his record of six goals in his last 10.

Under 3.5 goals

Once again, this brings back the question of the merits of form heading into the play-offs. Currently, these two teams are not necessarily used to winning, so the prospect of a tighter contest is rated higher. What’s more, this isn’t just the play-offs, it’s also the Championship play-offs, with a place in the Premier League at the end. Neither side would be completely unhappy with a draw here, while there could be a lot of respect on the show where the two essentially cancel each other out.

The first leg of the League One and Two play-offs averaged 2.25 goals, which is a useful comparison at the moment. The tactical aspect of this is fascinating and all will be revealed in the early stages. Don’t expect any goals, but one, two or three strikes are more predictable than many in this high-pressure clash. Whoever scores first would probably prioritize not conceding rather than forcing for a second.

Half time: Norwich

Both clubs will feel the pressure here, as will all teams heading into the play-offs, but it just comes with the territory when playing Leeds. Combined with their recent struggles and the way they’ve basically thrown away their chance at automatic promotion, it’s hard to be confident in them. The Elland Road side are tipped as favorites to win this tough away clash, opening the door to plenty of opportunities to bring Norwich into the side in different ways.

One of them is to support the Canaries to lead at half-time. Given their very strong record at home, they will certainly be looking to put a somewhat vulnerable opponent under immediate pressure. In their last 11 home goals in all competitions, City have scored 13 in the first half, so they are no strangers to quick starts in front of their supporters.

Double chance: Norwich and draw
Gabriel Sara To score
Under 3.5 goals
Half time Norwich

All prices are updated with our stylish widgets, while copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change.

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The latest football odds are now on PaddyPower.com

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