Kevin Blackwell has predicted whether his former club Leeds United will win the Championship play-offs ahead of tonight’s semi-final with Norwich City.
Blackwell was in charge of Leeds the last time they reached a play-off final at this level all the way back in 2006, when they were beaten 3-0 by Watford at the Millennium Stadium.
The 65-year-old is part of a small group of managers who have never been able to overcome Leeds’ play-off hoodoo, alongside Billy Bremner, Gary MacAllister, Simon Grayson and Marcelo Bielsa.
Daniel Farke will therefore be looking to make history starting with tonight as they host Norwich in the second leg after a cagey 0-0 draw back at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Leeds go into tonight’s match with home advantage behind them but it is not since 1987 that they have actually managed to win a play-off tie at Elland Road.
Blackwell predicts whether Leeds will win play-offs
Having beaten them twice in the league, finished 17 points ahead of them, and earned a draw in the first leg, Leeds are regarded by many as the favourites tonight.
EFL pundit Adrian Clarke has tipped Leeds to go through, while Gary Lineker is also expecting a final between the Whites and Southampton.
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mirror, Blackwell has now also shared his prediction ahead of tonight’s game, alluding to Leeds’ ‘play-off curse’.
Blackwell believes Leeds are in a great position to go through and then win the whole thing, tipping his former club to ‘finally’ get the job done.
He said: “Leeds have got to get over Norwich, but if Elland Road is like I know it can be, Norwich have got a job on their hands.
“I think they’re in a good position, if they can get over all this outside noise. They’ve got to believe this is their year or there’s no point going out there.
“Leeds, if they get past Norwich, I think Wembley will suit them. They’ll be in a lot better position to overcome this play-off curse and I think they can finally do it.”
Predicted Leeds XI to face Norwich
All eyes will be on Leeds boss Farke when the clock hits 7pm to see what team he goes with for tonight’s all important match.
He sprung a couple of tactical surprises on Sunday by moving Georginio Rutter up front and bringing Archie Gray in as an extra man in midfield.
In terms of Leeds’ defensive structure, that certainly paid dividends but just two tame shots on target would also suggest they struggled at the other end.
It would not be a surprise if Farke reverts back to his tried and tested system this evening which could include a recall for Joel Piroe. Connor Roberts should also come in at right-back.