The 2023/2024 EFL Championship season will culminate on Sunday, 26th May, with Leeds and Southampton going head-to-head under the arch. The winner of this clash will get the chance to return to the English Premier League next season immediately.
Following their relegation last season, these two second-tier giants will get the chance to book a spot in the EPL by winning Sunday’s game at Wembley. The winner of the so-called “football’s richest game”, will join the Champions Leicester and the second-placed Ipswich.
Both Southampton and Leeds cruised through their home semi-final second-leg games with relative ease, despite their respective games starting tense. Leeds will play in the playoffs for the sixth time, but they can expect a challenging test from Southampton.
The Saints head into the action soaring with confidence following their impressive 3-1 victory on Friday. That makes the EFL play-off final one of the most awaited matches for bettors, but make sure to check all football betting advice at WinComparator before you place a bet on this game.
Leeds Team News
The Peacocks will face Southampton at Wembley without the services of long-term absentee Pascal Struijk, but Patrick Bamford will be coming back from his knee problem. Bamford had to sit out during both matches against Norwich and the last two games during the regular season.
Wilfred Gnoto recovered in time for Thursday’s second leg game after a knock, with Joel Piroe returning to the first XI attack. Dan James and Connor Roberts also returned during the first leg game against Norwich, but Stuart Dallas had to retire following his prolonged injury suffered in April.
Southampton Team News
Southampton didn’t risk Che Adams against West Brom, but coach Russel Martin has confirmed the Scottish striker will be on the roster for Sunday’s match. Ross Stewart will also be ready after recovering from a knock.
Russel Martin has multiple injury concerns ahead of the play-off final, with Gavin Bazunu sidelined due to an Achilles issue. Juan Larios will also be out on a hamstring injury alongside Stuart Armstrong, who is nursing a muscle injury.
Leeds vs Southampton prediction: Who will win?
The EFL Play-off final is a high-profile football match featuring two teams that finished third and fourth place in the Championship during the 2023/2024 season. Either team will be disappointed if they fail to earn the automatic promotion to the premier league, making it a fascinating match to watch. The game will have plenty of great subplots, as Russell Martin goes against his old boss Daniel Farke, who worked with him at Norwich.
Southampton won both league games between the two sides this season, crashing the Peacocks 3-1 at home in September and 2-1 at Elland Road. Leeds has only won once in their last five meetings, a 1-0 win at Erand Road early in 2023. Regardless, the game has the potential to end in a draw, which gives Leeds a solid chance to win on penalties.
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