Southampton on the verge of returning to the Premier League as Russell Martin eyes an unlikely reunion

Southampton have secured their place in the Championship play-off final – Russell Martin now poised to overtake mentor Daniel Farke again.

Saints eased past semi-final opponents West Bromwich Albion on Friday night. After being held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Hawthorns, Martin’s men took on their opponents.

Martin will now face his former Norwich boss Farke under the Wembley Arch in a meeting that only happened in the latter’s wildest dreams. Speaking after his side’s win against West Brom, he said: “I never imagined it would happen five or six years ago when we worked together.

“But I have a lot of respect for him. He has had a great record in this division so it will be a tough match. It’s not about me or him. It’s about the two teams that have set foot on the pitch and we’re looking forward to it.”

Neither for Southampton, nor for Leeds, nor for Martin and Farke, it was not an easy road to Wembley. Both were appointed last summer, promotion being the only mission.

There were brilliant moments, the Saints’ 25-game unbeaten run among the highlights. Leeds, meanwhile, have produced arguably some of the most thrilling football in the Championship this term, winning 10 successive league games until the start of March.

But there were critics. Both managers faced rejection for their styles and inconsistency – an element that ultimately saw both sides miss out on automatic promotion.

Who will win at Wembley, Southampton or Leeds? Share your predictions in the comments below

In typically ironic fashion, both Leeds and Southampton booked their places at Wembley in similar ways. After a 0-0 draw against Norwich, Leeds stunned the Canaries with a stunning 4-0 win at a raucous Elland Road on Thursday.

Southampton then followed up with a scintillating display of their own against the Baggies. Local Will Smallbone opened the scoring with a well-taken shot that curled into Alex Palmer’s near post.

Top scorer Adam Armstrong then claimed the center spot. A clinical run in the far corner from the striker made things comfortable for Saints as he then made the evening’s work from the penalty spot.

Cedric Kipre’s late consolation did nothing to take the shine off Southampton’s celebrations. Armstrong has already issued a warning to Leeds after beating the Yorkshire side twice this season – including on the final day.

Speaking after the win over West Brom, Armstrong said: “Leeds are top opposition, we know what we’re up against. The last game of the season was a little bit off, but we went out there and did our job.”

The South Coast club are now just one win away from an instant return to the Premier League, something that is not lost on the striker. He added: “No beating around the bush, it’s a game away. A massive game, I’m sure it will be an unbelievable atmosphere. Let’s hope we can do it.”

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