Leeds Utd v Norwich CityThursday 16th May@20:00 | Elland RoadLeeds must see off Norwich City on Thursday night if they want to progress to the play-off final against either Southampton or West Brom, in what will be their biggest game in both their recent histories!
After keeping the Canaries caged during the first leg, home advantage gives the Yorkshire outfit a slight edge. Up until the International Break, Leeds were undefeated at home but back to back defeats against Blackburn and Southampton may give David Wagner a glimmer of hope.
Patrick Bamford has been ruled out of the second leg. The 30yo forward has ben out of action since bruising his knee during the 4-3 win at Middlesbrough last month, but a new diagnosis shows a minor trauma in his patellar tendon which connects the bottom of the kneecap (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia).
His absence will give Leeds boss Daniel Farke a major selection dilemma. He obviously doesn't fancy Joel Piroe, Rutter is not a goal scorer and it would be too much of a risk to throw Joseph Matteo into the starting line-up after just 220 minutes of league game time all season.
Reverting to a five man midfield (like Farke did at Carrow Road on Sunday) may be an option, but without a centre forward to spear-head the side, where will the goals come from. Leeds have no new injury concerns. Dan James and Connor Roberts have overcome their respective injuries but are more likely to start on the bench. Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas are once again ruled out!
The visitors will be without the services of Onel Hernandez (foot) and Liam Gibbs (thigh). Veteran striker Ashley Barnes is doubtful with a calf injury, though leading scorer Josh Sargent is expected to shake off an ankle injury he picked up in the closing stages of the first leg on Sunday.
