2023-24 Sky Bet Championship: Play-Off Final – Leeds vs Southampton

Leeds United meet Southampton at Wembley Stadium in the 2023-24 Sky Bet Championship’s Promotion Play-Off Final. 

Victory would see either Leeds or Southampton gain instant promotion back to the Premier League, whilst the loser will stay in the second tier for a second season,

 

Team News

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Sam Byram is a doubt for Leeds after he missed their play-off semi-final second leg victory at home to Norwich with a hip injury.

Patrick Bamford (knee), Darko Gyabi (groin) and Pascal Struijk (groin) remain absent.

Southampton will welcome Che Adams (fitness) and Ross Stewart (knock) back into contention.

Gavin Bazunu (Achilles), Stuart Armstrong and Juan Larios (both hamstring) remain sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Leeds face Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 26 May at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Leeds are meeting Southampton in a Play-Off Final for the first time.
• Southampton are facing Leeds at Wembley for the first time in all competitions.
• Both teams have scored in four of their last five league meetings.
• Leeds have lost each of their three previous Play-Off Final appearances, during which they scored one goal and conceded six goals (L3).
• Southampton are featuring in their very first Play-Off Final.

 

Prediction

Although their form has recently dipped, Leeds were at their devastatingly clinical best at home to Norwich in the second leg of their play-off semi-final which now has to serve as a platform to take into this final – despite their awful play-off record.

Southampton likewise delivered their own clinical home win in the second leg as they saw off West Brom, but Russell Martin’s Saints can take heart from having beaten Leeds on the final day of the season at Elland Road.

This fixture recently tends to see goals at both ends so this could be a close if cagey battle but Leeds not only have a poor record in Play-Offs but coincidentally London, which could well give Southampton the winning edge if Daniel Farke’s Whites can’t overcome their awful omens.

Prediction: Leeds 1-2 Southampton