Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Ellandback1
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Match Thread Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

Post by Ellandback1 »



Leeds United v Norwich City
Wednesday 22nd January 7:45pm | Elland Road


Leeds United will welcome Norwich City to Elland Road on Wednesday evening, looking to continue their push for automatic promotion. Fresh from a commanding 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday, Daniel Farke’s men will be eager to capitalise on their strong home form against a depleted Canaries side. However, injuries could force Farke into some last-minute adjustments, with several key players carrying knocks ahead of the fixture.

One of the main concerns for Leeds is the fitness of Brenden Aaronson. The USA international suffered a knee knock late in the win over Sheffield Wednesday and was replaced by Josuha Guilavogui. While Farke remains cautiously optimistic about his availability, a late decision will be made regarding his involvement. If Aaronson is unavailable, either Largie Ramazani or Willy Gnonto could step in, with both players eager for more game time. Ramazani, in particular, will be hoping to replicate his impact from the reverse fixture in October when he netted the equaliser the 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.

Defensive concerns also loom over Leeds, with Pascal Struijk’s hamstring injury flaring up again. The Dutch defender underwent scans over the weekend, though the club has yet to release the results. If he is sidelined, Leeds may have to rely on Liam Cooper or Ethan Ampadu to partner Joe Rodon at the back. Patrick Bamford is another confirmed absentee, with the experienced striker ruled out for three weeks due to a hamstring problem. However, there is some positive news on the injury front, with Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo, and Max Wöber all making the bench at the weekend. Gruev even managed a 20-minute cameo, hinting that he could play a bigger role on Wednesday.

Norwich City arrive at Elland Road in the midst of an injury and suspension crisis, which has severely impacted their squad depth. Manager Johannes Thorup had to name six academy players on the bench against Sheffield United, highlighting the extent of their issues. Their midfield is particularly depleted, with Marcelino Núñez, Liam Gibbs, Jacob Sørensen, Anis Ben Slimane, Gabriel Forsyth, and Tony Springett all unavailable. To compound matters, top scorer Borja Sainz is serving a six-match suspension after a controversial spitting incident against Sunderland’s Chris Mepham. Norwich’s attacking options are further limited by the ineligibility of new signing Matej Jurásek due to post-Brexit regulations, while defender Jose Córdoba has also been ruled out with a knee injury.





Despite their struggles, Farke is taking nothing for granted. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he emphasised the quality Norwich still possess and their potential to cause an upset at Elland Road. Farke pointed to Josh Sargent’s return as a key factor, noting that the American striker is one of the best in the division when fit. Leeds will need to be particularly wary of Norwich’s high-pressing style, as Thorup’s side are known for their intensity and attacking approach. The Whites will need to be clinical in front of goal and resolute in defence to avoid any slip-ups.

With only one full training session to prepare for the game, Farke admitted that squad rotation is likely. Leeds have a packed fixture schedule, and with Aaronson and Solomon both doubtful, adjustments may be necessary. Firpo and Gruev’s return to training is a positive sign, and Farke suggested that their involvement will increase with each passing session. The competition for places remains fierce, particularly in attacking positions, where Gnonto is pushing for a start despite his recent struggles with end product. Farke remains confident that the young Italian will rediscover his scoring touch sooner rather than later.

As the Championship season enters its decisive phase, every point matters. Leeds are well-placed in the promotion race but must maintain their momentum. Norwich, despite their injury woes, are still eyeing a late push for the play-offs and will be highly motivated. Expect a high-intensity contest, with Leeds aiming to assert their dominance early. If they can take their chances and defend resolutely, another crucial three points should be within reach.



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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Farke on team news

The turn out is not so bad. We've had three proper nights of sleep it could be that wr rotate a bit. Ijuries - Arronson looked okay today. I will be a late call with him. Nothing major with him. We are carefull optimistic. Solomon is also a doubt, complaining about a hamstring injury today. So we'll assess him. He's a bit doubtful, at the monent a bit 50/50.



Solomon

Right now he's having a scan and waiting for the results.


Gnonto

Overall I am happy with his developnent as a person and as a player. The only thing that is lacking at the moment is the end product. His work load is really good, a top teammate. Also compeititon in his position, others are [contributing] goals and assists. But I'm backing that he will find his scoring boots.



Plans for Norwich

Yesterday was more of a recovery session, to get them fresh again. It was a small group for training. Players from the bench other not in the squad [from Sunday]. Tomorrow is the only session we really have to work on it.

Norwich themselves? I'm pretty careful. Especially in a game with less pressure at Elland Road. I expect them to be highly motivated. They are a really good group who are brave with intensity.

They want to be offensive and press high. I think they will be looking for a late push into the play offs. Josh Sargeant is back and a top striker in his league. It will be beneifical to for them to have him there.

A bit like Sheffield, we have to be there in the decisive moments. We have to defend really well and use our chances.



Recruitment

What I like about them [recutiment team] they ahve been years with the squad. I like a lot they really have white blood in their veins. They are just thinking about Leeds United. We have really good conversations.



Debayo loan

It's important we are not over doing it. it makes sense for young players to grow and have game time. At the moment we have to make sure in terms of numbers, the group is not getting to small. At the moment I would rule it out.



Firpo future

No, too many matches at the moment. Jauary is not the time to speak about this.



Backroom staff

It's good to have a group on the same page. Got a perfect blend.



Firpo and Gruev

Each training day at Thorp Arvh is beneifical for them. Junior had a few minutes. Junior has played many games. Not too far away



Sainz suspension

We talk about what we expect what he plays. I don't expect Norwich to set up much differently.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Bit harsh to criticise Gnonto and his end product when he's only started 1 of the last 5.

Aaronson has started all of them and only got 1 goal.

Strange
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Cjay wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 4:31 pm Bit harsh to criticise Gnonto and his end product when he's only started 1 of the last 5.

Aaronson has started all of them and only got 1 goal.

Strange
And he plays on the wing... time share with James. Gnonto is a better link player, James is quck and direct
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Cjay wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 4:31 pm Bit harsh to criticise Gnonto and his end product when he's only started 1 of the last 5.

Aaronson has started all of them and only got 1 goal.

Strange
There are good reasons why Gnonto has only started one of the last 5 games.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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I think he lacks directness myself, works hard yes, but doesn't really create anything for me
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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6 assists this season, 4 goals. Only 16 starts. Probably the best passer at the club, and a technician. He always tests the keeper when shooting. Very similar to Solomon, about the same quality
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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1964white wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 4:40 pm There are good reasons why Gnonto has only started one of the last 5 games.
Maybe so.

Just seems a bit odd to highlight it when he's not started much recently and has the same goal contributions in his last 5 starts as Aaronson who starts come hell or high water.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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The Subhuman wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 5:18 pm 6 assists this season, 4 goals. Only 16 starts. Probably the best passer at the club, and a technician. He always tests the keeper when shooting. Very similar to Solomon, about the same quality
Gnonto started the season well, his form dropped off & he consequently lost his place.

The majority of Willy's recent shots are hit straight at the opposition keeper or blocked.

Gnonto was ineffective when given 90 minutes against Harrogate.

Soloman crosses are much more accurate, Manor is a class above all our forwards.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Cjay wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 5:35 pm Maybe so.

Just seems a bit odd to highlight it when he's not started much recently and has the same goal contributions in his last 5 starts as Aaronson who starts come hell or high water.
Aaronson starts because he is a constant pest with his incessant pressing & running, he is a nightmare for the opposition to contend with, hence Brenden being one of the first names on the team sheet.

Look how poor we were without his energy against Harrogate.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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1964white wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 6:12 pm Gnonto started the season well, his form dropped off & he consequently lost his place.

The majority of Willy's recent shots are hit straight at the opposition keeper or blocked.

Gnonto was ineffective when given 90 minutes against Harrogate.

Soloman crosses are much more accurate, Manor is a class above all our forwards.
Oh god, Solomon has produced nothing like the quality crosses that Willy has for us in the past. I'm not a short termism guy though. I'm class over form.. Harrogate Schmarrogate
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Cjay wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 4:31 pm Bit harsh to criticise Gnonto and his end product when he's only started 1 of the last 5.

Aaronson has started all of them and only got 1 goal.

Strange
Not to worry about Gnonto. Farke didn't mention his professionalism which is the death knell for any young player. Joe Gelhardt was the ultimate professional.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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I think it was just Farke saying, I keep giving you chances, you need to start taking them.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Gnonto always tests the keeper?

I don't think so!

He continually shoots from ridiculous positions when there is no chance of scoring

eg. with a wall of players in front of him, or from an impossible angle

A bit greedy in effect.

IMO the other 3 wingers are better
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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We have 4 wingers who would walk into most if not all Championship sides but at the moment at least, DF considers Solomon and James his best two.
At the moment I would say Ramazani is closer to a start than Gnonto is although both may start tomorrow
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Actually I can remember watching Gnonto's first few games for us and thinking, this lad has a footballing brain.

He seemed very aware of what was going on around him.

So he has that ability to read a game but, to me, he now seems more intent on running down blind alleys and trying to win the game on his own.

Someone should sit him down and tell him to use his footballing brain and basically play 'smarter'.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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whiteinfrance wrote: Tue Jan 21, 2025 12:13 pm Gnonto always tests the keeper?

I don't think so!

He continually shoots from ridiculous positions when there is no chance of scoring

eg. with a wall of players in front of him, or from an impossible angle

A bit greedy in effect.

IMO the other 3 wingers are better
Farke is playing his most in form wingers right now.

Gnonto needs to fight to get his place back, like Joseph, he had a chance to shine against a League 2 side, but sadly failed. Hopefully, Willy will recover his old form as we'll need him to fire between now & the end of the season.

Gnonto's desperation to score is causing his greed & shooting from impossible angles, he needs to be clever & show more composure!
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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1964white wrote: Tue Jan 21, 2025 12:52 pm Farke is playing his most in form wingers right now.

Gnonto needs to fight to get his place back, like Joseph, he had a chance to shine against a League 2 side, but sadly failed. Hopefully, Willy will recover his old form as we'll need him to fire between now & the end of the season.

Gnonto's desperation to score is causing his greed & shooting from impossible angles, he needs to be clever & show more composure!
What about the Ramazani goal. Nobody expect him to score from that
angle with a sea of players in front of him, but somehow the ball goes through
the defenders legs and it is a goal out of nothing... that so easily could be Gnonto
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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whiteinfrance wrote: Tue Jan 21, 2025 12:40 pm Actually I can remember watching Gnonto's first few games for us and thinking, this lad has a footballing brain.

He seemed very aware of what was going on around him.

So he has that ability to read a game but, to me, he now seems more intent on running down blind alleys and trying to win the game on his own.

Someone should sit him down and tell him to use his footballing brain and basically play 'smarter'.
That ought to be the message to Aaronsen as well, both play similar roles at the moment 8 or 10, !!!
Both need to look around, stand on the ball and look, not run like 6 yr olds in the playground, let them dictate the pace of play.
I personally never jumped on the " Gnonto is the best teenager ever " a few lauded him for when we first got him.
If anything, he's regressed.
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Re: Leeds Utd v Norwich City Match Thread

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Gnjonto hits the target at 65%, Solomon is at 45%.. Ramazani 62%, James 72% ... Aaronson is at 45% Piroe at sub 60%. Piroe and Aaronson tend to get the better positions to shoot. I expected Aaronson's to be closer to 65% and Piroe up around 75%

Joe Rothwell - MOT's heralded dead ball striker and progressive centre mid has had 6 shots, 2 on target , 33%
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