Leeds vs Southampton: Championship play-off final date, kick-off, tickets, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Leeds and Southampton will go head-to-head for an instant return to the Premier League in this season’s Championship play-off final.

After their relegation last term, both second-tier heavyweights will now have the chance to make an immediate return to the top flight by winning the so-called ‘richest game in football’ at Wembley, where they would join champions Leicester and runners-up . – up Ipswich.

Both Leeds and Southampton successfully negotiated their semi-final second leg home ties with relative ease, after tense but subdued initial goalless draws, Daniel Farke’s side thrashed Norwich 4-0 on Thursday night thanks to goals from Ilia Gruev , Joel Piroe, Georginio. Rutter and Crysencio Summerville – a result that 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 growing in confidence after seeing off West Brom 3-1 on Friday thanks to Adam Armstrong’s brace and Will Smallbone’s opener at St Mary’s. where post-match crowd clashes marred an otherwise memorable night.

Date, start time and place

Leeds vs Southampton is scheduled for a 15:00 BST kick-off on Sunday 26 May 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, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Live Stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.

Live blog: You can follow all the matchday action via Standard sport live blog.

Leeds vs Southampton Tickets

Leeds have received an allocation of 35,796 for the East side at Wembley and tickets go on sale at 10.30am BST on Saturday 19 May.

Southampton, meanwhile, have 35,667 tickets in the west end of the stadium and will go on sale at 11am on Saturday.

Leeds vs Southampton team news

Leeds will be without long-term absentee Pascal Struijk (groin) at Wembley, although Patrick Bamford could return from a knee problem that ruled him out of both games against Norwich as well as the final two games of the regular season.

Wilfried Gnonto was fit to start Thursday’s second leg after picking up a knock, with Joel Piroe returning to the starting XI in attack.

Connor Roberts and Dan James both returned for the first leg against Norwich, although Stuart Dallas unfortunately withdrew in April after a long injury battle.

Southampton have not ruled out Che Adams (calf) against West Brom, but manager Russell Martin has already confirmed the Scotland striker will be involved at Wembley.

Ross Stewart should also be ready after a strike, while goalscorer Armstrong was as dangerous as ever against the Baggies at home despite a slight problem suffered in the first leg.

Gavin Bazunu, Juan Larios and Stuart Armstrong are all ruled out for Southampton.

Leeds vs Southampton Prediction

This is a fascinating, high-profile battle between the teams who have finished third and fourth respectively in the Championship this season, and each will be scrapped not to win automatic promotion straight back to the Premier League.

It’s a game full of fascinating sub-plots, not least Russell Martin taking on his old Norwich boss in Daniel Farke in the dugout.

Play-off finals can often be very edgy and tricky, but we think this will buck the trend with plenty of goals between two attacking teams who will be keen to put on a show.

Last year’s show was a thrilling affair between Coventry and Luton that went all the way to penalties and we think the same could happen here, with Leeds perhaps just starting proceedings to avenge back-to-back losses to Saints and to ensure another return to the sea. .

Leeds will win on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Head-to-head history and results (h2h).

Southampton won both league games between the sides earlier this season, triumphing 3-1 at home in September, before winning 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day – ending any hopes of Leeds snatching automatic promotion in this process.

Leeds have won just one of their last five meetings, a 1-0 Premier League win at Elland Road in February 2023.

Leeds to win: 48

Southampton to win: 30

Draws: 22

Leeds vs Southampton match odds

Leeds to win: 6/4

Southampton to win: 7/4

Draw (90 minutes): 9/4

Odds via bet365 (subject to change).