Daniel Farke has picked his Leeds United side to take on Southampton in the Championship play-off final this afternoon at Wembley, as the two sides battle for an instant return to the Premier League.
Leeds come into the game having restored some momentum with a stunning 4-0 second-leg win over Norwich at Elland Road. Goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville.
But in truth, it could have been double the four goals Leeds scored last Thursday. Fans and players are connected once again, giving those of a Leeds persuasion plenty of hope and confidence come 3pm.
For Southampton, they will draw confidence from beating Leeds both home and away this season. If that matters, it remains to be seen but reasons can be given for why Farke’s side lost both league matches.
With kick-off closing in, Farke has picked the Leeds side that will go up against Russell Martin’s side at Wembley with Patrick Bamford missing and a decision made on defender Sam Byram, who was a doubt.
Confirmed Leeds XI to face Southampton at Wembley today
With Bamford missing due the knee injury he suffered at Middlesbrough, Piroe remains up top after the Dutchman netted his 14th of the season against Norwich while Archie Gray remains in the right-back role.
Unsurprising given his stunning display against Norwich, and Willy Gnonto continues on the right despite £25m man Dan James fit again and potentially ready to start. Connor Roberts is also on the Leeds bench.
Farke names the same side that beat Norwich 4-0: Illan Meslier; Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo; Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, Willy Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Joel Piroe.
Pundits predict result as Leeds take on Southampton in final
Dom Matteo thinks it will be a 2-1 win to Leeds without the need of extra time, while Michael Bridges’ prediction of a 3-2 win after 120 minutes saw another Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford react “bore off!”.
On the Three Up Front podcast, Troy Deeney and Graeme Souness disagreed with Simon Jordan over who wins the clash. Deeney and Souness think it will be Leeds that gain promotion to the top tier on Sunday.
Ross McCormack thinks Gnonto, Summerville and Rutter need to turn up for Leeds to win while Simon Grayson warned Leeds it will be a tough clash – but still thinks Leeds get a win.
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