Predicted Leeds United XI for play-off final against Southampton as Daniel Farke faces biggest squad yet

After such a resounding 4-0 win over Norwich City in the second leg of the semi-finals, Farke will be reluctant to change too much.

However, they face a Southampton side who were the only team to complete a league double over them in the regular season.

Unfortunately, Leeds will be without Patrick Bamford again tomorrow afternoon, although they could welcome Sam Byram back into the team after his injury.

With that in mind, here’s our predicted XI for Leeds’ first trip to Wembley since 2008.

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Illan Meslier made a “world class” save to deny Josh Sargent in the second leg nine days ago and keeps his place in goal. He says he did his homework on penalties this week ahead of the final.

Defense

Archie Gray started at right-back against Norwich for the first time since the 0-0 draw with Sunderland on 9 April. Ben Parker says Gray produced a “special” performance in that win and starts there again tomorrow.

Elsewhere, the rest of the defense picks itself, with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu starting together at centre-back ahead of Liam Cooper, who will hope to be fit for his final Leeds appearance.

Junior Firpo had a difficult afternoon against Saints on the final day but has looked focused and assured in the play-offs, so of course he starts at left-back.

Middle

Ilia Gruev’s brilliant free-kick put Norwich in front and with it he became the first Leeds midfielder to score in the Championship all season.

He will start in midfield two alongside Glen Kamara, whose ball-holding skills will be vital against a possession-heavy Southampton side.

Attack

With Leeds likely to see less of the ball at Wembley, much of the onus will be on how effectively they can counter-attack to win the game.

The pace of Georginio Rutter, Willy Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville will therefore be vital as they once again get the nod on Dan James.

Joel Piroe had his best performance in a Leeds shirt last time out and continues up front in Bamford’s absence. He scored Leeds’ only goal on the final day against Southampton.

XI predicted: Tradesman; Gray, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Gruev, Kamara; Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville; Pyro

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