Three key battles that could decide Leeds United’s play-off final with Southampton at Wembley

With so many Premier League quality players still on both sides, this has the potential to be one of the best play-off finals in a few years.

Just three points separated the two teams during the 46-game regular season and pundits are finding it hard to pick a winner, with Ally McCoist and David Prutton among those expecting it to go to penalties.

With that in mind, it’s likely to be a game of fine margins, and so it could come down to the winner of one of the many one-on-one battles. Here, we take a look at three of the most important.

Crysencio Summerville v Kyle Walker-Peters

Two Premier League players in waiting, regardless of tomorrow’s result, there’s no other place to start than here when it comes to key fixtures.

Summerville has already spoken of his excitement to face one of the ‘best’ in Walker-Peters, who in fairness has beaten him in both league meetings.

Although Summerville was crowned POTS of the Championship, he failed to register a single goal or assist against Saints, while Walker-Peters registered half of his four assists against Leeds.

If Leeds can get plenty of the ball to Summerville, it would help keep Walker-Peters in their own half and therefore nullify his attacking threat. This one seems decisive.

Georginio Rutter vs. Flynn Downes

Including the play-offs, Southampton have lost just one of the last 30 league games Downes has started this season. He is the key to making them tick.

During his absence in February and April, Saints lost five of six games, with his return to the starting XI actually coming on the final day at Elland Road.

Downes is the man tasked with protecting Southampton’s defense and will therefore come directly up against Rutter.

With no successful dribbles or key passes, Downes managed to keep Rutter quiet in the last meeting, but the Frenchman was back to his best in the second leg against Norwich.

Not only will Rutter be important in stopping Southampton playing from the back through Downes, but if he can be as effective as he was in possession last time out, the Saints star could be in for a tough afternoon.

Glen Kamara vs. Will Smallbone

With goals in both home and away games this season, Smallbone has been Leeds’ midfield nemesis this season.

His two touchdowns against the Whites both came on cutbacks after making late runs in the box. Smallbone’s goal in the semi-finals against West Brom also came as a result of a push from midfield.

With that in mind, it’s simply vital that Leeds midfielder Kamara never stops when Smallbone makes those runs, or another goal could be on the cards.

In possession, meanwhile, Kamara is Leeds’ best when it comes to keeping the ball. Against a side like Southampton – who have averaged more possession than any other side in the Championship this season – he will have to be at his best.

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