Leeds United get their play-off campaign underway on Sunday afternoon as they go to Norwich City in the first leg of their semi-final tie and Jesse Marsch has had his say.
Daniel Farke’s side take on his old team at Carrow Road this weekend after failing to hold onto second in the Championship. Four losses in the last six games saw Ipswich overtake Leeds to go up automatically.
It sees Leeds go into the play-offs and before the weekend’s games, Farke’s men would have been facing Carlos Corberan. The former Elland Road coach has taken the Baggies to fifth in the Championship table.
Norwich lost 1-0 to Birmingham City on the last day and that has seen David Wagner’s side drawn against Leeds in the mini-tournament. Meanwhile, Southampton will go up against West Brom this weekend.
Many have given predictions for the play-offs with Micah Richards confident Leeds have what it takes to win the play-offs ahead of the likes of Southampton, with Richard Keys predicting a Leeds-Saints final.
Jesse Marsch has now given his verdict on Leeds’ chances in the play-offs, on CBS Sports Golazo:
Jesse Marsch discusses Leeds United chances of winning play-offs
Leeds will draw confidence from the fact they have beaten Norwich both home and away this season before heading to a possible final on May 26 at Wembley, while Southampton should beat West Brom.
The Saints will have their tails up if as expected, Leeds go up against The Saints at Wembley given The Yorkshire outfit lost to Southampton on the final day and in the reverse fixture, a 3-1 loss at St. Mary’s.
Marsch commented on the play-offs: “Look at the play-offs in the Championship, oh my goodness. There are some good clubs there. That is going to be tight. Whoever emerges will have earned it, no question.”
Referee appointed for Leeds clash against Norwich on Sunday
Josh Smith has been given the reigns for the clash in East Anglia after refereeing four of Leeds matches this season, including the opening day of the season against Cardiff City which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Smith also oversaw our 2-1 league win over Plymouth at Elland Road and the 3-1 win over Hull City, which saw The Whites score two late goals to beat a Hull side who have just sacked Liam Rosenior.
But Smith also took charge of the 2-1 loss to Preston at Deepdale in which he sent off Illan Meslier for a soft push on Milutin Osmanjic in the second half and ultimately cost Farke’s side three points.