Former City keeper Tim Krul has urged the current squad to travel to Elland Road for today’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Leeds with “real confidence,” citing the form that has made them the Championship’s most dangerous team in 2026.
Krul, who became a Norwich folk hero after his penalty-shootout heroics against Tottenham in the 2020 fifth round, said Philippe Clement’s side have earned the right to believe they can cause problems against Premier League opposition.
The numbers tell the story. Nine wins from their last 11 across all competitions. Over four hours without conceding a goal. A points-per-game average of 1.8 under Clement, compared to 0.60 under Liam Manning, who left City 23rd in the table and staring at League One.
City now sit 17th, 11 points clear of the relegation zone, and have a playing structure and a level of intensity that looked impossible back in November.
“We are building our own story now,” Clement said after the 2-0 win at Leicester. “One of the most positive points for me is that the players now have the mindset that there is no difference between playing at Carrow Road or away — we play our game everywhere.”
That mentality will be tested at 4:30pm. Leeds remain strong odds-on favourites despite back-to-back 1-0 home defeats to Manchester City and Sunderland.
As a Premier League side, they have won eight of their last nine at Elland Road against lower-league opponents. Norwich, meanwhile, haven’t beaten top-flight opposition in the FA Cup since 1982!
Then there is the small matter of 14 senior players fighting for space in the treatment room. Clement has described the injury situation as a “tough puzzle,” requiring plans AB, C, and D, but his response has been to make the team function “like a machine — whoever you put there.”
Daniel Farke, once of this parish, will be absent from the Leeds technical area after picking up a touchline ban after being sent off following Leeds’ 1-0 win over Man City.
It’s still a big ask. Leeds, and their fanatical fans with their twirly scarves, will still fancy it at home. But City arrive with form, defensive solidity, and a head coach who is rivalling Farke for popularity in NR1.
