Leeds United have a big game on Saturday when they take on fellow promotion hopefuls Norwich City at Elland Road.
The Whites had a disappointing end to the January transfer window as a deal for Swansea City winger Daniel James fell through even after the winger passed his medical with the club.
Leeds are still a bit light, but if Marcelo Bielsa can manage to get the best out of the players as he did in the first half of the season, the Whites should see themselves back in the Premier League.
Bielsa’s side bounced back in the Yorkshire derby against Rotherham United last weekend, and the clash against Norwich will be key as Leeds can open up a six-point lead at the top of the table should they beat the Canaries.
Here’s why Leeds should beat Norwich come Saturday.
The return of Pontus Jansson
The positive news is Pontus Jansson is back after serving his suspension and is set to start at the heart of the defence.
The Swede has been a key player for the Whites this season, and his presence will make the team a meaner outfit at the back.
Jansson is not only aggressive, but his ability to play the ball out from the back will be useful against Norwich. If he can stop Teemu Pukki, who has scored 17 times in the Championship this season, then Norwich might struggle.
Norwich City’s poor defensive record
The Canaries might be second in the league table, but they haven’t always covered themselves in glory while defending.
Norwich happen to have the worst defensive record among the top six sides and their goalscoring prowess has covered their defensive frailties at times this season.
Norwich’s last clean sheet in the league came in late December, so if Leeds can create openings, which they most certainly do because of their style, then there will be goals.
Leeds’ better head to head record
In the past six meetings between the two sides, Leeds have had the upper hand, winning four and losing just once.
The last time the two met at Carrow Road, Bielsa’s side eased to a 3-0 win and hardly broke a sweat.
Both sides have a similar approach as they try to play football that’s easy on the eye rather than just launch it forward.
But considering Norwich have heavily relied on Pukki, if Leeds can stop the Canaries from playing by dominating possession like they usually do, they could come out on top.
