‘Truly top game’ – Martin faces Leeds United for Premier League place

SAINTS boss Russell Martin insists their Championship play-off final clash with Leeds United promises to be a “really top game”.

St Mary’s will take on Elland Road at Wembley on Sunday 26th May in the final game of the English domestic schedule.

One last place in the Premier League next season is up for grabs, either third or fourth in the Championship, which will seal it.

It will be a storied match with no love lost between Leeds boss Daniel Farke and Martin after a sour end to his career at Norwich, where Martin won the play-offs as captain under the German in 2018.

Asked what he thought Leeds would face in the final, Martin insisted: “I think it’s going to be a really top-class game of football.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke celebrates their comfortable win over Norwich (Image: PA)

“It’s going to be one we’re really looking forward to and you’ll also feel a lot of butterflies and nerves throughout the week.

“We have to make it happen with the players and the staff. The players deserve it. They deserve the opportunity because of how brave they were.

“They have so much belief and understanding in what they’re doing, they’ve stuck with it even when it’s been a bit bumpy at times.”

Martin continued: “I said from day one it wasn’t going to be easy to change a style of play and a culture.

Boss Russell Martin celebrated with his family after Friday’s win (Image: PA)

“The club that had a tough, tough year the year before. They deserved the opportunity to go to the final now, they earned it.

“They won every part of it and now they have to make the most of it. Friday was a beautiful moment for us.

“We’ve had so many here this season. The fans have been incredible, but we have a chance to have a better time next week.”

Saints beat West Brom 3-1 to reach the final, while Leeds hammered Norwich 4-0, with both teams drawing 0-0 in the first leg.

Southampton beat Leeds both home and away in the regular season, winning 3-1 at St Mary’s and 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day.