Leeds United ‘energize and drive’ key to play-off success at Wembley

Leeds United have the “energy and strength” to complete their promotion mission by beating Southampton at Wembley next Sunday. That’s the verdict of former Scotland international Craig Burley, who feels the experience the Whites have in the form of Daniel Farke will count on the big occasion.

Leeds shook off a disappointing end to the campaign to reach next Sunday’s final, beating Norwich City 4-0 at Elland Road last week. After a series of below-par performances, the Whites were back on top form to push past the Canaries and book their place in the main game.

They will face Southampton under the Wemnbley Arch after taking on West Bromwich Albion in the second leg on Friday night, with the teams who finished third and fourth in the division now going head-to-head. Both were relegated from the Premier League last season, of course, but only one can bounce back immediately and join Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the next tier.

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Leeds now have a huge following in the United States, of course, thanks to new owners 49ers Enterprises, and former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Burley has watched their progress from across the Atlantic. Looking ahead to Sunday’s big game, the 46-times-capped Scotland star was impressed with the Whites’ performance on Thursday and believes it will give them an advantage over the Saints.

“I’ll just go with Leeds,” he told ESPN FC. “Energy and drive, a slightly more experienced manager and Daniel Farke who has a few more kilometers on the clock than Russell Martin who did. a very good job.”

Farke, of course, has twice managed Norwich City in the Premier League and is looking to make it a hat-trick of promotions with Leeds this season, although it will be the first time he has achieved play-off success.