In just about every aspect Leeds United are an equal match to Norwich City. According to the statistics.

There are elements, however, that could see Norwich edge it over Leeds. Not as clear cut as last season, after all, Leeds will have spent a great deal more on building the Club for the push for the Premiership.

Leeds’ statistics show a record:

While Norwich has:

So what is it that Norwich has that could edge it? Well, first of all, there is home advantage. Although it isn’t yet what it once was, Carrow Road is well on the way to being a fortress again. The players will feel that they owe it to the home supporters to give as resounding a display that is so regularly on view when on the road.

Then, according to a Club release, a record all-seated crowd of 26,300 is expected. The installation of additional seats last summer will play a part in the push for promotion, as was intended.

Then, of course, is the way that Norwich played last season, leaving Leeds to choke on the dust until the fat lady started to exercise her tonsils and Leeds avoided the previous losing gamble of the play-offs.

Leeds will be out to make amends for that, though. They are a well known physical side, which means that our shorter players will need to play smart, not tough. Besides that, though, Leeds players are on a roll.

Since losing 4-0 to Cardiff at Elland Road, Leeds have won 3 out of 4 games, that last game a draw. 13 goals have come from those games, and nobody needs to remind Norwich City supporters just how useful it is to be on a winning run.

There is another, very subtle, difference. Simon Grayson says that he challenges his players to go out and succeed, placing pressure on them to perform well.

On the other hand, all Paul Lambert asks of his players is that they go out and play to the best of their ability. This means there is no pressure if they fail, and that brings out the best in them.

By all the evidence available, this match looks to have all the ingredients for an entertaining afternoon. The countdown has started...

Photo: Action Images

bezla123 added 10:46 - Nov 18 Poor research here I'm afraid - Leeds' last result was a win not a draw (3-1 at home to bristol city). You also say that Leeds have spent a lot more?? We've bought Ross Mcormack for a reported £500k & £200k on Alex Bruce, the rest of our signings are free's & loans - Schmieichel, Paynter, Sam, Connoly, Bessone, with players like Watt, Mcartney, O'brien, on loan. Last season was much the same with our only signing being Leigh Bromby for a reported £200k.. I think you'll find Norwich have spent way more than this in the last two seasons?!!! Leeds are a profit making club - Norwich however make a loss. & finally it is no surprise to us that you have a record attendance to host the mighty leeds.. we're used to this, pretty much every one of our away games this season has resulted in the home side achieving their record home attendance.. MOT Norwich 1 - Leeds 3

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MutzNutZ added 16:10 - Nov 18 The Bristol result I probably read wrong, but it was one of your own papers that was bemoaning your lack of success. Glad to know that others believe Norwich is a spending club. There won't be any NCFC supporters who would agree, though. And as for attendances, well you have a larger stadium for one thing. But where were they all last season? Fair weather comes to mind... Predict a result? 2-1 to Norwich, with you getting the first. Enjoy the journey and keep you chin up on the way back home. You won't win everything, just as you bottled it last season. :)

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bezla123 added 13:56 - Nov 19 I'd hardly call 5th in the league a lack of success?! I don't think Norwich are a spending club, a 'loss making' club - Yes.. ..just a club that have spent more than LUFC in the last couple of seasons. In answer to where were all our fans last season? I hardly think we can do any better than finishing top of the average attendances table?! The same will apply this year, trust me! Can't believe you think we'll only score 1 against Norwich - I think you had a stronger team last yr - You now have Ruddy in goal, we have Schmeichel!! I guarentee you we'll be victorious - as always, our support will sound like the home team.

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