Leeds are set to face Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, 26 May in the Championship Play-Off final.
The winner of the tie will earn an immediate return to the Premier League after both clubs suffered relegation from the top flight in 2023. Both clubs will be feeling confident for various reasons but there can only be one winner.
Check out our Leeds vs Southampton prediction below.
Contents
Leeds vs Southampton prediction: White to return to the top flight
After spending most of the season in the hunt for direct promotion back to the Premier League, we don't see Leeds failing to win the playoff final on Sunday.
Key stats
- Leeds defeated Norwich 4-0 in their Play-Off semi-final second leg.
- Southampton lost three of their final four league matches prior to the Play-Offs.
- The two previous matches between Leeds and Southampton this season have seen over 2.5 goals scored.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Leeds go in as narrow favourites
- HOME: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Leeds vs Southampton odds illustrate just how close this match is expected to be with both clubs priced greater than evens to get the job done inside 90 minutes. When you compare how both clubs have fared in recent weeks, this shouldn't come as a huge shock to anyone.
Both clubs had automatic promotion in their sights with six matches to go in the Championship but saw their form and bottle desert them as Leicester and Ipswich pulled away from the chasing pack. However, Leeds returned to top form last week during their semi-final second leg against Norwich with a resounding 4-0 victory.
Southampton also looked better in their semi-final tie with West Brom. After recording a solid 0-0 at the Hawthorns, they put three past the Baggies at St Mary's. Leeds' quality at the top of the pitch does give them the edge here, though, and we believe that will see them get over the line.
Alternative free betting tips for Southampton vs West Brom:
- BTTS – 8/11 (1.73)
- Crysencio Summerville to score anytime – 9/4 (3.25)
Southampton have only lost one of their last five matches against Leeds which should give the Saints plenty of hope going into the match. Further confidence should be gained from the fact they have also completed the double over the Whites this season, including a 2-1 win at Elland just a few weeks ago.
England Championship 04/05/24
Leeds
Southampton
England Championship 30/09/23
Southampton
Leeds
England Premier League 25/02/23
Leeds
Southampton
England Premier League 13/08/22
Southampton
Leeds
England Premier League 02/04/22
Leeds
Southampton
Leeds preview: No Bamford for the Whites
The big news out of the Leeds camp is that Patrick Bamford has lost his race to be fit for the Play-Off final. Dark Gyabi and Pascal Struijk are also certain to miss out while Sam Byram is still fighting to be fit after missing the win against Norwich. Regardless, Farke would perhaps be wrong to change anything after how well Leeds played last time out.
Predicted lineup: Meslier (GK), Gray, Ampadu, Rodon, Firpo, Kamara, Gruev, Gnonto, Rutter, Summerville, Piroe
England Championship 03/05/25
W
Plymouth
1
Leeds
2
England Championship 28/04/25
W
Bristol City
0
Leeds
4
England Championship 21/04/25
W
Stoke
0
Leeds
6
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Oxford Utd
0
Leeds
1
England Championship 12/04/25
W
Preston
1
Leeds
2
Southampton preview: Doubts linger over Ryan Fraser
Ryan Fraser has proved to be a shrewd addition to the Southampton squad this season but he was forced off in the second half against West Brom and is a doubt for the final. Meanwhile, Juan Larios, Stuart Armstrong and Gavin Bazunu will all certainty miss out.
Predicted lineup: McCarthy (GK), Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Aribo, Downes, Smallbone, Brooks, Armstrong, Fraser
England Premier League 10/05/25
D
Man City
0
Southampton
0
England Premier League 03/05/25
L
Leicester
2
Southampton
0
England Premier League 26/04/25
L
Fulham
2
Southampton
1
England Premier League 19/04/25
D
West Ham
1
Southampton
1
England Premier League 12/04/25
L
Aston Villa
3
Southampton
0
Player to watch: Crysencio Summerville
Crysencio Summerville has had such a good season for Leeds United in the Championship that he is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Liverpool. The exciting forward has the perfect opportunity to show everyone what all the fuss is about on Sunday.
Looking to cap off a memorable season
Whatever happens in the future, Summerville will look back at this season fondly. He has already netted 21 goals and has also provided 10 assists. He has nothing more to prove but Leeds fans will be hoping he has one more big performance in him before a potential summer move.
The latest Tweets from each camp
Leeds
? ??? ????. pic.twitter.com/I9NlVooKy7
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 26, 2024
Southampton
Special Sunday settings ?️ pic.twitter.com/WyEhYXWSY5
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) May 26, 2024