The ultimate showdown
The Championship Play-Off final between Leeds United and the “Saints” is the most important match in world soccer. If you only look at the financial aspect, this game is more important than any match in the Champions League. Almost 200 million euros are at stake in the match that will decide promotion to the Premier League. That’s how much more money Premier League clubs have at their disposal per season compared to Championship clubs due to TV and ticket revenues
So it’s not just about prestige, it’s also about a good chunk of money. It’s hard to imagine the pressure on the players in the run-up to this match. Therefore, no goal fireworks are to be expected, which is why our tip for Leeds vs. Southampton is “less than 2.5 goals”
Both teams have played a strong season, finishing third and fourth respectively and only narrowly missing out on direct promotion after relegation last year. However, wins over Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals have given the clubs one last chance to secure a direct return to England’s elite division. We can expect a tough fight at best at a sold-out Wembley on Sunday
Leeds – statistics & current form
After a 0-0 draw in Norwich, Daniel Farke’s team won 4-0 against the Canaries at Elland Road to put an exclamation mark on the first semi-final. Due to this outstanding performance, the bookmakers set the northern Englishmen as favorites for the final. For Leeds vs Southampton, the odds of all providers speak in favor of the “Peacocks”.
In the duels with the sixth-placed team in the Championship last season, the relegated Premier League side impressed with its strong attack, as it did throughout the season. Gruv, Piroe, Rutter and Summerville scored the four goals as United humiliated Norwich. They also indirectly ensured that David Wagner had to vacate his place on the Canaries’ bench. The club had parted company with the 52-year-old as a last resort after repeatedly failing to win promotion.
Successful coach and final curse
His opposite number in the Peacocks’ coaching chair, on the other hand, can be more than satisfied with the way the season has gone so far. With 90 points from 46 games, they would have been promoted directly in seven of the last ten seasons. This year, however, Leicester and Ipswich Town were simply that little bit better, which is why the traditional club only has the arduous journey via the play-off route. They are slightly favored in the Leeds vs Southampton final according to the betting odds.
However, in addition to facing an opponent who is highly motivated, they will also have to fight a curse. The Whites have lost all of their last five final matches and recent history does not necessarily speak in Leeds’ favor against the Saints either. After all, the two duels so far this season have gone to the southern English side. It is therefore recommended to bet on “X/2”
for Leeds vs.
Defense as the trump card
In any case, Daniel Farke’s team will be able to rely on its strong defensive line at Wembley. Only champions Leicester City have conceded fewer goals than the Whites this season. Less than one goal conceded per game is an outstanding figure in a league as balanced as the Championship. By comparison, their opponents from the south coast have conceded twenty goals more than the boys from the north this season. This is one of the reasons why the prediction for Leeds v Southhampton is under 2.5 goals.
Predicted Leeds line-up:
Southampton – Statistics & current form
The “Saints”, on the other hand, had a little more trouble with West Bromwich Albion. However, after three goalless periods, Russel Martin’s side quickly settled matters in the second half with two goals from Armstrong and one from Smallbone. The Baggies’ final goal through Kipre came too late in the 97th minute.
By the end of the season, the footballers from the southern English port city had really got into their stride once again and could at least briefly hope for a direct promotion place. However, three defeats against Cardiff, Leicester and Stoke put an abrupt end to these dreams at the end of April. Saints supporters can now look forward to the final match against Leeds, who Russel Martin’s team beat 2:1 to end the season
Final against your favorite opponent
Games against the “Peacocks” have been easy for the boys around goal scorer Adam Armstrong this season. The head-to-head duels this season have both gone to the Saints. That’s why the odds for Leeds vs. Southampton don’t seem to be entirely meaningful
In view of the immense importance of this match, it is very likely that neither team will want to take any risks. Therefore, a draw after 90 minutes is more than just within the realms of possibility. The double chance also covers a win for the Saints, which is not unlikely this season due to the direct comparison. If you are particularly risk-averse, you could bet on Southampton winning on penalties. After all, Luton Town only won on penalties last year.
Predicted Southampton line-up:
Leeds – Southampton head-to-head comparison / H2H record
As just mentioned, Russel Martin’s team has the edge in the head-to-head comparison this season. However, if you look at all previous matches, the picture is different. Leeds have won 48 out of 100 duels. The Saints have come out on top 30 times, while 22 games have ended in draws.
Leeds – Southampton betting tip
In the “Richest Game of Football”, two of the Premier League’s relegated teams from the previous season meet. Both played a strong season but narrowly missed out on direct promotion. While the bookmakers see Daniel Farke’s team as the favorites, our prediction for Leeds vs. Southampton goes in the other direction.
Not only are the Saints currently in better form, they have also won both head-to-head meetings this season. What’s more, many of those close to the Whites will still be thinking about the five play-off finals they lost. Therefore, a bet on the double chance is a good idea
Furthermore, in such a tense and important match, it can be assumed that both teams will concentrate on not making any mistakes. Accordingly, a goal festival is unlikely. Particularly risk-averse tipsters can also bet on a penalty shoot-out victory for Russel Martin’s team.
