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Watkins starts as Canaries make one change to starting XI for Leeds clash
Marley Watkins starts for Norwich at Leeds this afternoon. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Both sides have made just one change to the starting line-ups for this afternoon's battle at Elland Road, with Marley Watkins coming in for Norwich.
The Wales international replaces Josh Murphy, who he came on for at half-time of last weekend's home win over Sheffield Wednesday, playing a key part in turning a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 victory.
Alex Tettey also returns to the squad after missing two months through injury but starts on the bench, alongside Murphy, with Yanic Wildschut dropping out.
Leeds move Kemar Roofe up front in place Caleb Ekuban after his hat-trick in a 3-1 win at QPR last week, bringing Pawel Cibicki into their midfield.
The Canaries brought an end to eight matches without a win last weekend when they came from behind to beat Wednesday. Daniel Farke's team have won one and drawn three – one of which ended in a penalty shootout defeat – in their last four visits to Elland Road.
The hosts are seventh and four points from the play-off places after picking up 10 points from the last 15 available but have only won one of their last five home matches.
Norwich: Gunn; Pinto (C), Hanley, Klose, Stiepermann; Reed, Vrancic; Pritchard, Maddison, Watkins; Oliveira. Subs: McGovern (GK), Zimmermann, Trybull, Tettey, Hoolahan, Murphy, Jerome
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Leeds: Wiedwald, Ayling, Cooper (C), Jansson, Berardi; Vieira, Phillips; Cibicki, Saiz, Alioski; Roofe. Subs: Lonergan (GK), Pennington, Anita, Shaughnessy, O'Kane, Hernandez, Grot
MATCH PREVIEW
City team news
Alex Tettey returns to the squad after recovering from a calf injury. James Husband is back in training but will not be risked after a groin injury. Jamal Lewis is poised for one more development outing next week following his long term knee lay-off. Steven Naismith (ankle) played 60 minutes for the development squad last weekend and is expected to push for a first team recall over the festive period. Louis Thompson, Remi Matthews and Matt Jarvis remain longer term injury absentees. Thompson is expected to be out until late March.
Leeds team news
Pierre-Michel Lasogga may return to the squad after illness and injury since last month. Caleb Ekuban has a foot injury.
Leeds United manager – Thomas Christiansen
Joined Leeds last summer after an impressive stint with Cypriot side APOEL, who he guided to the last-16 of the Europa League before lifting the Cypriot league title.
One to watch – Samuel Saiz
Spanish striker. Scored 9 goals in 21 appearances for Leeds since moving from Huesca in July 2017. Was part of the Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid's junior set ups but prior to his move to England had operated in the Spanish lower leagues.
Referee – Darren England (South Yorks)
Booked eight players in Norwich's 2-0 Championship home defeat to Wolves. Shown two red and 76 yellow cards in 19 games this season.
• Follow updates from Elland Road with Michael Bailey at pinkun.com/live
