As the Championship play-off final approaches, football fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between Leeds United and Southampton.
This high-stakes match, often dubbed the ‘richest game in football,’ will determine which team secures an immediate return to the Premier League. Here's a comprehensive look at the teams, their form, and predictions for this thrilling encounter.
Match Details
Date, Kick-off Time, and Venue
The Leeds vs Southampton Championship play-off final is scheduled for a 3 pm BST kick-off on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
The match will take place at Wembley Stadium, offering a grand stage for this decisive showdown.
Where to Watch
For those unable to attend the match, it will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 2 pm BST.
Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the game live via the Sky Go app. Additionally, a live blog of the match will be available on Standard Sport’s website.
Team News
Leeds United
Leeds will be without long-term absentee Pascal Struijk (groin), but there is hope that Patrick Bamford will return from his knee injury.
Wilfried Gnonto, Joel Piroe, Connor Roberts, and Dan James are all fit and available.
However, the team will miss Stuart Dallas, who retired in April due to injury.
Southampton
Southampton’s manager Russell Martin has confirmed that Che Adams, who was not risked against West Brom, will be fit for the final.
Ross Stewart is also expected to play despite a minor knock. However, Southampton will be without Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, and Stuart Armstrong.
Form and Head-to-Head
Recent Form
Leeds reached the final by defeating Norwich 4-0 in the semi-final second leg, showcasing their potential threat going forward.
Southampton, on the other hand, secured their spot by overcoming West Brom 3-1, with standout performances from Adam Armstrong and Will Smallbone.
Head-to-Head
Southampton have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning both league encounters this season.
They triumphed 3-1 at home in September and 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day of the season.
Historically, Leeds have won 48 times, Southampton 30, and there have been 22 draws between these teams.
Prediction
Play-off finals are notoriously tense and unpredictable.
Both Leeds and Southampton have strong attacking capabilities and will be determined to return to the Premier League.
Given the form and firepower on both sides, a high-scoring draw seems likely, potentially leading to a penalty shootout.
Leeds might just edge it, avenging their recent losses to Southampton and clinching promotion.
Our Prediction: Leeds 2 - 2 Southampton (Leeds win on Penalties)
FAQ
When is the Leeds vs Southampton Championship play-off final? The final is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2024, with a kick-off time of 3 pm BST.
Where will the final be held? The Championship play-off final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
Can I stream the Leeds vs Southampton match online? Yes, Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live via the Sky Go app.
How many tickets are allocated for each team? Leeds United has been allocated 35,796 tickets for the east side of Wembley Stadium. Southampton has been allocated 35,667 tickets for the west side of the stadium.
Are there any key player injuries for Leeds? Leeds will be without Pascal Struijk (groin), but Patrick Bamford may return from a knee injury. Stuart Dallas is unavailable as he retired in April due to injury.
What is the latest team news for Southampton? Southampton will have Che Adams fit for the final. Ross Stewart is also expected to play despite a recent knock. However, Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios, and Stuart Armstrong are sidelined.
How did Leeds and Southampton perform in their semi-final matches? Leeds defeated Norwich 4-0 in the second leg of their semi-final. Southampton won 3-1 against West Brom in their semi-final match.
What were the results of the league matches between Leeds and Southampton this season? Southampton won both league encounters against Leeds this season, with a 3-1 victory at home in September and a 2-1 win at Elland Road on the final day of the season.
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