Ross McCormack predicts who will win the play-off final between Leeds and Southampton on Sunday

Leeds are considered slight favorites after finishing three points clear of Southampton at the end of the regular season, but Saints have beaten Leeds home and away, including on the final day of the campaign.

Many have already given their predictions for the matchup, with both being more than capable of winning it. Troy Deeney and Graeme Souness backed Leeds to win the game, disagreeing with Simon Jordan this week.

Now Ross McCormack has given his verdict on who comes out victorious in the capital on Sunday and has identified three Leeds players who could make the difference, including winger Crysencio Summerville.

Ross McCormack predicts Leeds v Southampton

Many have said it depends on who shows up on the day, and they couldn’t be more right. Leeds and Southampton are evenly matched, two teams boasting plenty of Premier League quality, going head-to-head.

But McCormack told Sky Sports – according to YEP – if Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter turn up at Wembley then Leeds will beat Southampton and book their place back in the Premier League.

“To be honest with you, if the three attacking players in front of midfield two come on, which will probably be Gnonto, Summerville and Rutter, if they come on, I see nothing but a Leeds United win.

“I think I’m on a level above everybody in this league. They are solid enough defensively that they can let the players express themselves. If those three turn up, it will be a difficult afternoon for Southampton.”

Three key battles Leeds must win to beat Southampton

Championship player of the season Summerville will need to be at their best if they are to have any chance of surpassing arguably the best right-back in the league in Kyle Walker-Peters.

Another of the aforementioned three is Rutter, and when he plays well it looks like Leeds play well. In the 4–0 win against Norwich, he played and scored his eighth of the season as the Whites reached the final.

He will be up against Southampton heartthrob Flynn Downes, while Will Smallbone is a man in form and it will be Glen Kamara’s job to stop him. If Leeds can win these battles, they win the game.

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