Often referred to as “the richest game in football” with the victors receiving at least £100 million over the next three seasons alongside promotion the the Premier League, there’s plenty at stake in Sunday’s Championship play-off final.
It’s Sky Sports’ dream scenario as well, with arguably two of the biggest clubs in the EFL taking part for a place in the top-flight. Both Leeds United and Southampton will fancy their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League after dominant second leg performances in the semi-finals, yet only one will achieve their goal.
After what can only be described as a disappointing first leg performance against Norwich City, where they’d draw 0-0, Leeds would really turn the style on at Elland Road. Goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville would prove their dominance and the Yorkshire side looked back to their best.
They’ll have to find their best if they want to book their place in the Premier League, especially after losing the last time the two sides met. A 2-1 win for Southampton on the final day of the season may give the Saints a psychological edge and just like their opponents, impressed in the second leg of their tie with West Bromwich Albion.
Albeit in slightly less dominant fashion, the Saints would progress thanks to a 3-1 second leg win but were by far the better side and can take plenty of positives from their performance.
It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic play-off final and one where it’s rather hard to see who the favourites are.
With that in mind, here’s how two of the EFL writing team see the Championship Play-Off Final between Leeds United and Southampton panning out…
“Leeds were mightily impressive in the second leg against Norwich, a result which saw the Canaries sack manager David Wagner, and if able to replicate that performance then they’ll have a great chance of winning this.
“However, they may not have been as consistent as they would’ve liked to be over the last couple of months and there’s no guarantee that the performance will be backed up.
“Southampton have the psychological edge of winning the final day tie between the two sides but this game is played under complete different circumstances. I actually think that Russell Martin’s players will rise to the occasion here and may emerge as victors.
“It’s such a tough one to call and there’s not much to seperate the two sides. The problem with Leeds for me is that they can put in an incredible performance one week and then look pretty poor the next. For that reason I’ll side with Southampton here…just.”
Leeds United 1-2 Southampton
“We head into the most lucrative game in football with perhaps the most exciting final in years. In any other season, these two clubs would have been battling for automatic promotion, but only one can make an instant return to the Premier League.
“With intense rumours of an array of clubs keeping an eye on Leeds’ star players, it’s arguably more important that Daniel Farke’s team secure the win. However, Southampton have quietly gone about their business this season and are an incredibly dangerous opposition.
“The Saints ended their opponents’ slim hopes of automatic promotion on the final day of the regular season and I fancy them to repeat that result here.”
Leeds United 1-2 Southampton
Senior Editor
