So here we are, the Sky Bet Championship playoff final as Leeds United and Southampton face off.
The second stop during Wembley’s huge week, Sunday sees the battle for the final spot in next season’s Premier League.
The stakes are high in what is still the most valuable single game in all of football.
Often a struggle in the post-season, it is perhaps fitting after such a thrilling season that the teams finishing third and fourth have reached this stage.
Indeed, after sweeping aside Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion respectively, this is the showdown all fans would have hoped for.
So who will be heading back to the promised land?
Emphatic
Nerves? What nerves?
That was the resounding response from Leeds in dispatching Norwich in the semi-final second leg.
Given the Canaries’ all-round capitulation, it is hard to know how impressive the 4-0 win was, but it would have cleared a lot of post-season cobwebs.
😍 “It’s a goal I won’t forget” pic.twitter.com/p4uIklFxwl
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 24, 2024
Not least for Ilia Gruev, whose tricky set-piece caught West Brom off-guard and triggered the Leeds cruise.
With both misfiring Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville on the score-sheet also, Daniel Farke would have beaming against his former side.
However, against the Saints, Leeds must buck the trend of this season.
Measured
Southampton’s progress was somewhat more thoughtful, but largely, still as comprehensive over West Brom.
It was again Adam Armstrong the difference at St. Mary’s as the number nine notched a pivotal brace against the Baggies.
Armstrong has three goals against the Whites this term, with Will Smallbone also scoring on occasions.
Russell Martin’s men may not be offered as much of the ball against superior opposition this weekend, but their recent record will give them huge confidence at Wembley.
Betting
For both these teams this term, goals have been no issue.
Southampton have won both meetings this season, both games seeing over 2.5 goals.
However, in a final, there is always the chance punters can be undone with so much riding on the game.
With that in mind, shots on target will be our prime consideration on Sunday and we’re looking to William Hill for some price specials.
Rutter and Summerville both returned to the goals last time out, and both should feature in any plays.
Meanwhile, the Saints have been given a huge fillip with Che Adams being passed fit for the final, after missing both semi-final legs.
Together, for Rutter, Gnonto and Adams all to have 1+ shot on target, a 5/2 dash looks promising.
A longer shot, both Summerville and Armstrong will be key, and an 11/2 punt for both to have OVER 1 shot on target might appeal.
Finally, as documented, Smallbone scored both home and away to Leeds this term, but also notched against West Brom in the semi-finals.
As an anytime scorer, a 21/4 price looks lofty with BetUK, whilst for the midfielder to have just one shot on target, a 5.0 stake will return double profits. Again with ‘Hills.
Leeds United and Southampton meet in the Sky Bet Championship Playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm UK time.
