As Norwich City and Leeds United prepare for battle at Elland Road tonight, Connor Southwell has picked out the six key talking points. 

1) High Stakes

As Elvis Presley once sang: 'A little less conversation, a little more action, please.' It turns out both Daniel Farke and David Wagner have followed that advice in the build-up to this clash. 

The fact that both managers elected against holding pre-match press conferences ahead of this contest tells a story within itself. 

Neither party willing to disclose information that could benefit the opponent. Neither willing to big up a game that needs no hyping. Full concentration and efforts have been consigned to the training pitch. 

With Wembley on the horizon for one of them, that approach is understandable. No distractions, no wish for commentary and a want to plough straight into the fixture. 

For Farke and Leeds, this is their last chance at Premier League promotion. Anything other than that outcome will be regarded as an unmitigated failure - it would prompt a serious debate about the German's future. 

For Wagner and Norwich, a chance to shake off the criticism that has existed throughout the campaign and an opportunity to continue a remarkable comeback story. 

High stakes. Big prize. The chess match has already begun. 

2) Fitness calls

David Wagner and his coaching team face late decisions on attacking duo Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes ahead of tonight's trip to Elland Road. 

Sargent limped out of Sunday's first leg after pain in his ankle - the same one that caused him to be sidelined for four months at the start of the campaign. Norwich have subsequently been managing that issue, highlighting his importance to their cause. 

The initial diagnosis was that the American international would be fit enough to feature at Elland Road - but the question is more about the significance of the role he can play rather than if he can play any at all. 

Can Sargent start and last the distance if required? Will Norwich need to use him more cautiously? Those are the questions that will dominate. 

As for Barnes, Wagner refused to rule him out of the second leg, and the same questions undoubtedly remain. Norwich's strike force is transformed with them both within it, and that may be the secret to success in Yorkshire. 

We will have to wait for 7pm and the team news for confirmation - but City will be hoping both can play a meaningful part tonight. 

3) Stick or twist?

Much of the pre-match discourse from those of a yellow and green persuasion has centred around how Wagner will set up and approach this key fixture. 

Many have resigned themselves to a caution-first attitude, with Wagner favouring a contain and transition approach in other matches of similar magnitude. 

When that balance works, it can yield successful results - a quick flick back to Ipswich at home in April documents that. But the message it sends out can be one of inferiority and negativity if it leans too far into caution.  

The reality is that Norwich will have to soak up extended spells of pressure. That is an inevitability given a raucous Leeds crowd and their expectations. Norwich may have to rely on luck, quality goalkeeping and brave defending to survive the inevitable push set to come. 

Perhaps the key is how Norwich go about breaking up those periods of home pressure. Leeds have defensive vulnerabilities and City will need to master their plan to get up the pitch effectively. 

Sargent is the key to that, offering a threat in behind - but that is dependent on their vastly improved possession quality on Sunday's effort. 

Balance is the key. Then City have to show quality to finish in the moments that matter. 

The Pink Un: Norwich City will need to halt Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville. Norwich City will need to halt Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville. (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd)

4) Key battleground

If Norwich want to have success at Elland Road, then they will need both Jack Stacey and Dimitris Giannoulis to be at their top level to halt wide duo Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnoto. 

Both teams were successful at the nullification of each other's key weapons in the Carrow Road stalemate, with Gnoto and Summerville largely stifled by City. 

That might mean a more conservative approach to their positioning throughout this encounter, with Summerville the Championship player of the season and Gnoto scoring seven times since February. 

Leeds have struggled with creativity from deeper midfield areas and can be reliant on their wide options for moments of inspiration to carve open low blocks. If Norwich can contain Summerville and Gnoto, coupled with Jaidon Anthony and Dan James from the bench, they stand a chance of severely limiting their supply line. 

Giannoulis performed capably on Sunday, recording three tackles, whilst Stacey managed two throughout the contest. Leeds will be hoping to isolate them one-on-one throughout the encounter. 

They will need support from their wide options to help marshal the dangerous duo, but that will be a key battleground in the second leg, especially when Norwich are likely to be under the cosh for prolonged periods. 

The Pink Un: Norwich City are expecting a hostile atmosphere at Elland Road tonight.Norwich City are expecting a hostile atmosphere at Elland Road tonight. (Image: PA Images)

5) Hostile environment

The expectation is that Norwich City will be walking into an intense arena when they step out on the Elland Road turf ahead of kick-off. 

'Marching on Together' will fill the air, the noise will be electric and the Leeds crowd will be expectant that their team deliver. Norwich will have to manage that crowd successfully - that is a task within itself. 

After Sunday's draw, Wagner said that every second survived in Yorkshire helps swing the pendulum in City's favour. He is right. If Norwich can frustrate and flip that crowd, that could shatter the already fragile levels of confidence in Farke's young squad. 

Throw in the historical trauma that Leeds supporters associate with the play-offs and there is a scab there for Norwich to pick at - but it requires extracting every ounce of mentality and experience into their performance. 

Playing without the ball for extensive periods is physically and mentally taxing. Throw in a hostile crowd and it adds to the tough conditions to extract success. But Leeds have fallibilities and weaknesses - Norwich are good enough to exploit them. 

Whatever the result, when that final whistle goes - whenever that may be - the key for City is to hold no regrets and to have everything out there on the turf, whatever the result. 'Never mind the danger', as an old anthem goes. 

The Pink Un: David Wagner masterminded Huddersfield Town to Wembley in 2017 through a penalty shoot out.David Wagner masterminded Huddersfield Town to Wembley in 2017 through a penalty shoot out. (Image: PA Images)

6) Going the distance?

There a scenario where Norwich take Leeds United to penalties - it is an avenue that Wagner has enjoyed play-off success before with Huddersfield Town. 

That night, Wagner took his Terriers to Hillsborough against Sheffield Wednesday. Much of the same pre-game narratives were being uttered around atmosphere, home advantage and league table superiority. 

Huddersfield went behind. Then an own goal drew the game level. Extra time came and went. It took penalties, and Wagner's crew were successful. 

Norwich will have been practising spot kicks and formulating potential line-ups, such is the level of preparation and detail that Wagner and his coaching team go into ahead of matches. 

The dilemma that City face is that a core of their attacking players - Sargent, Barnes and Rowe - have all struggled to last 90 minutes, let alone 120. Against Leeds, five members of their bench were made up by defenders and deputy keeper George Long. 

Two of the four penalties netted by Huddersfield were scored by defenders, with goalkeeper Danny Ward ending the night as the hero. 

With both managers being German, perhaps a penalty shootout is somewhat inevitable.