Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts on how Norwich City players will be feeling ahead of facing Leeds United in the play-offs.
The two sides are set to go head-to-head in a two-legged semi-final where the winner will be rewarded with a trip to Wembley to face either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion.
On top of the already intense nature of a play-off fixture, there are a number of extra little storylines in the tie between Leeds and Norwich, none more so than Daniel Farke returning to his old club again.
Having also completed a league double over Norwich in the regular season, Leeds will also be looking to avoid a repeat of the 2019 play-off defeat to Derby County.
And in order to win the play-offs, Leeds will have to make Championship history by becoming the first side to win promotion via this method after losing four of their last six regular season matches.
Sutton shares what Norwich players will be thinking about facing Leeds
After such a poor end to the season, it would be fair to say Leeds supporters are not overly confident of their side’s chances heading into the play-offs.
On top of that, Leeds play-off record does not make for great reading. They have not once been promoted in their five attempts, and have not won a play-off tie at home since 1987.
Having said that, Norwich are not exactly entering the play-offs in form either. The Canaries fell over the line to secure a top six finish, not winning any of their last three.
However, writing in a column for the Norwich Evening News, former Canary Sutton has moved to try and put all the pressure on Leeds.
He believes those in the Norwich dressing room will know the importance of taking a lead to Elland Road, as he feels it is a crowd that could quite easily turn.
He said: “There is a greater pressure on Leeds. I used to love playing at Elland Road because of its atmosphere, but that can have a detrimental effect on players because they will be nervous after what’s happened at the back end of this season.
“If Norwich can take a lead into the second leg, I think the Leeds fanbase could turn and be edgy. If I was in the dressing room as a City player, I’d be really fancying this one. What an opportunity.
“It’s an added opportunity that it’s Daniel Farke. Yes, he’s well-liked and respected in Norfolk, but you still want to put him away – especially after two defeats in the regular campaign. Leeds have a vulnerability. Norwich can go into it knowing this is a team that has been flaky and they have to prey on that.
“They got walloped by QPR, Middlesbrough put three past them Blackburn nicked a win at Elland Road, Coventry beat them, Sunderland got a point against them. Why can’t Norwich? That is what they should be saying: ‘Why not us? Why not now?’.”
Sutton predicts who will win Championship play-offs
Not only has Sutton been discussing Norwich’s tie at Leeds, but he has also given his prediction for the play-offs as a whole.
He thinks while all four sides possess their own individual strengths, Southampton are the favourites due to the strength of their squad.
He wrote: “It’s good that Norwich have qualified for the play-offs. But now the objective is to get promotion. I’m not someone who thinks now they’ve made the top six, everything is okay. It’s about going up. That has to be the aim.
“I make Southampton favourites for the play-offs. I look at their squad and feel it’s the strongest. If Leeds do click, they could be devastating. Norwich have their own threats. West Brom have shown a real consistency.”