Leeds United return to FA Cup action this afternoon as they welcome Championship high-flyers Norwich City to Elland Road, with a coveted spot in the quarter-finals at stake.
The Whites enter this fifth-round tie looking to reach the last eight for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign. Daniel Farke’s men have navigated a challenging path to this stage, securing away victories over Derby County and Birmingham City, the latter requiring a penalty shootout after a hard-fought draw.
However, Leeds arrive at this fixture looking to arrest a recent dip in form at home, having suffered consecutive 1–0 Premier League defeats to Manchester City and Sunderland. Currently sitting 15th in the top flight and just three points above the relegation zone, Farke will be desperate for a positive result against his former club to reignite momentum for the season run-in.
Norwich City, meanwhile, travel to West Yorkshire as one of the in-form sides in the Championship, having won nine of their last 11 matches across all competitions. Under the guidance of Philippe Clement, the Canaries have been prolific in the FA Cup this term, comfortably dispatching Walsall and West Bromwich Albion by scoring a combined eight goals.
While they sit 12 points adrift of the play-off places, Norwich have been formidable on their travels recently, losing just one of their last eight away fixtures. Historically, however, the Norfolk outfit faces a significant hurdle at Elland Road; they are winless in their last eight meetings with Leeds and have been eliminated in each of their last 14 FA Cup ties against top-flight opposition while playing outside the Premier League.
Leeds United vs Norwich City – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
- Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
- Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: Andrew Kitchen
- Last Meeting: Leeds United 2–0 Norwich City (22 JAN 2025, Championship)
Team News
Leeds United
Daniel Farke expects to have a nearly full squad available, with Noah Okafor being the only confirmed absentee as he continues his recovery from injury. Farke has hinted at potential rotation following a busy league schedule, challenging his fringe players to “grab their chance”. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is searching for a return to form, having failed to score in his last four appearances.
Norwich City
Philippe Clement confirmed that midfielder Pelle Mattsson will miss the trip to Elland Road but is nearing a return. Midfielder Anis Ben Slimane, who leads the competition with four assists, is fit to feature. Club captain Kenny McLean is set to make his 300th appearance for the Canaries this weekend. Oscar Schwartau remains sidelined but has returned to running.
Form
Leeds United
The Whites have established a strong record against Norwich recently, winning nine of the last 15 meetings. Notably, Leeds have progressed from each of their last six FA Cup ties against teams from a lower division. While they have struggled for goals in their last two league games, Elland Road remains a fortress where they have won eight of their last nine matches against lower-league opposition.
Norwich City
Norwich arrive in Leeds boasting one of the best away records in the Championship over the last two months. Notably, Anis Ben Slimane has been the creative heartbeat of their cup run, recording two assists in each of the previous two rounds. However, the Canaries have a poor historical record in this specific fixture, having not beaten Leeds in any competition since February 2019.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Perri; Struijk, Bijol, Bornauw; James, Tanaka, Longstaff, Gudmundsson; Stach, Piroe, Nmecha
Norwich City Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Grimshaw; Stacey, McConville, Darling, Fisher; Wright, Field, Gibbs, Maghoma, Ahmed; Kvistgaarden
How to Watch Leeds United vs Norwich City?
The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 16:00 GMT ahead of the 16:30 kick-off.
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