On January 23 at 3:45, the 28th round of the English Championship saw second-placed Leeds United host twelfth-placed Norwich.
Leeds United achieved a significant victory in their derby match, improving their defensive performance. They defeated Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 at home last week, with Daniel Farke's team securing a Yorkshire derby win and ending a two-game draw streak. Leeds United has won ten out of their last eleven home matches in the English Championship, making them the team with the best home record this season. Compared to the substitute lineup in the FA Cup, Leeds United fielded their strongest squad last week, with Solomon scoring the first goal three minutes into the game through a rebound. Despite dominating Sheffield Wednesday, they were unable to score further goals. In the 83rd minute, head coach Daniel Farke replaced goal-scoring Solomon with Ramazani, and the Belgian forward scored five minutes after coming on. In stoppage time, Ramazani's shot was inadvertently knocked into the net by Tanaka Bi with his heel, securing a resounding victory for Leeds United with goals from three players who joined the team this season.
Due to Sheffield United's victory over Swansea in this round, Leeds United has dropped to second place, now two points behind the leaders. Head coach Daniel Farke remains tight-lipped about the transfer market, although Aston Villa's Buendia is rumored to be joining Leeds United. The German coach only confirmed that the player might leave Villa Park. Defender De Bajo, who has only played once this season, will not be leaving the team. Italian forward Wilfried Gnoto made his hundredth appearance for the team after joining last week. Central defender Pascal Struijk suffered an injury during last week's game and will be out for several weeks. Bamford, who has only played ten times this season, continues to be sidelined due to injury. American midfielder Aaronson and Solomon, who were injured last week, will undergo assessments. Leeds United's defense this season is better than the same period last year, with only nineteen goals conceded so far, compared to twenty-five at this point last season. However, Burnley's exceptional performance this season has somewhat overshadowed their defensive strength.
Norwich faced a significant injury crisis but remained indifferent. They lost 0-2 to Sheffield United away last week, ending their four-game unbeaten streak in the English Championship since Boxing Day. Norwich suffered a heavy defeat to Brighton with a reserve lineup in the FA Cup, and they continued to struggle with injuries in last week's league match. Head coach Johannes Thorup had to include six young players on the bench to meet the minimum number of players required. Norwich was completely outplayed in the match, with a defensive error by Norwich's Duffy allowing Sheffield United's Harrison Burrows to break the deadlock with a long-range shot in the first half. In the second half, Norwich's Krychowiak committed a foul inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick that Harrison Burrows converted for his second goal. Norwich suffered a comprehensive defeat away from home, with no shots on target throughout the game. Following the loss, Norwich ranks twelfth, six points behind sixth-placed Blackburn.
Norwich is currently experiencing an injury crisis, with head coach Johannes Thorup stating before the game that the lineup would be unchanged from the previous week. This means that Norwich will still be without injured players such as Nunez, Gibbs, Sorensen, Anis Ben Slimane, Cordoba, Gabriel Forsyth, and Tony Springett. Jiracek, who joined from Slavia Prague, will not be registered until next month, and top scorer Borja Sainz is suspended for six games. Barnes, Gordon, Hanley, and Christian Fassnacht have already been loaned out. Despite facing a personnel crisis, Norwich has shown no movement in the transfer market. Last season, their January signings proved unsuccessful, and some injured players are expected to return soon. Owner Mark Attanasio believes the current squad is reasonable and should not be affected by short-term injuries, which could impact next season's budget.
Leeds United had an excellent start to January last year, winning all four of their matches. Last week, they secured their first victory of the month, which may or may not indicate a good start for the team. However, Leeds United's attacking prowess is impressive, particularly their outstanding home record, giving them confidence in competing against Burnley and Sheffield United. Facing a weakened Norwich squad, Leeds United is determined to secure all three points. Norwich, after a crushing defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, has lost all morale. Their defeat to Sheffield United reflects their current difficulties, and they must now face the top two teams in the standings, which will be a significant challenge. It appears that Leeds United is set for a comfortable home victory in this match.