Following their respective relegations last term, both second-tier heavyweights will now get the chance to make an immediate comeback to the top-flight by winning the so-called ‘richest game in football’ at Wembley, where they would join champions Leicester and surprise runners-up Ipswich.
Both Leeds and Southampton successfully negotiated home semi-final second-leg ties with relative ease after initial tense but tame goalless draws on the road, with Daniel Farke’s side thumping Norwich 4-0 courtesy of goals from Ilia Gruev, Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville – a result which cost Canaries boss David Wagner his job less than 24 hours later.
Leeds will face a tough test in their bid to make it sixth time lucky in the play-offs, with Southampton soaring with confidence after brushing aside West Brom 3-1 thanks to Adam Armstrong’s brace and a Will Smallbone opener at St Mary’s, where crowd clashes after the game marred an otherwise memorable night.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Leeds vs Southampton is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off today on Sunday May 26, 2024.
The Championship play-off final will take place at Wembley Stadium, as usual.
Where to watch Leeds vs Southampton
TV channel: In the UK, today’s game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage starts at 2pm BST.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Leeds vs Southampton tickets
Leeds have received an allocation of 35,796 for the east side at Wembley. Southampton, meanwhile, have 35,667 tickets at the west side of the stadium.
Leeds vs Southampton team news
Leeds will remain without long-term absentee Pascal Struijk (groin) at Wembley, and striker Patrick Bamford has also now been ruled out with a knee problem that saw him miss both games against Norwich as well as the final two matches of the regular season.
Wilfried Gnonto was fit to start the second leg against Norwich after a knock, with Piroe returning to the starting XI in attack.
Connor Roberts and Dan James both returned in the first leg against Norwich, though Stuart Dallas sadly retired in April after a lengthy injury battle. Sam Byram is back in training and could return at Wembley.
Southampton did not risk Che Adams (calf) against West Brom, but manager Russell Martin has confirmed that the Scottish striker is fit again and in contention to feature.
Injury boost: Southampton have key striker Che Adams fit for Wembley role
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Ross Stewart is also ready after a knock, while top scorer Armstrong was as dangerous as ever against the Baggies at home despite a small issue suffered in the first leg.
Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios and Stuart Armstrong are the only players still out for Southampton, as long-term absentees.
Leeds vs Southampton prediction
This is a fascinating, high-profile battle between the sides that finished third and fourth respectively in the Championship this season and will have each been gutted not to earn automatic promotion straight back to the Premier League.
It is a game packed full of fascinating subplots, not least Russell Martin going up against his old Norwich boss Daniel Farke in the dugout.
Play-off finals can often be very nervy and cagey affairs, but we think this’ll buck the trend with plenty of goals between two attacking sides who will be eager to put on a show and prove their readiness to be back in the big time so soon.
Last year’s showpiece was a thrilling affair between Coventry and Luton that went all the way to penalties and we think the same could well happen here, with Leeds maybe just edging proceedings to avenge their successive losses to the Saints and secure another return to the Premier League.
Leeds to win on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Southampton won both league matches between the sides earlier this season, triumphing 3-1 on home soil in September before winning 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day – ending any hope of Leeds snatching automatic promotion in the process.
Leeds have only won one of the last five meetings, a 1-0 victory in the Premier League at Elland Road in February 2023.
Leeds vs Southampton match odds
Odds via bet365 (subject to change).
