Ben Parker has shared his prediction for Leeds United’s final game of the regular season at home to Southampton.
The Whites unfortunately head into the final day with automatic promotion looking highly unlikely at best, with Ipswich Town sat three points ahead after winning their game in hand at Coventry City.
Ipswich now only need to avoid defeat at home to all but mathematically relegated Huddersfield Town to seal second place, meaning Leeds are in need of a minor miracle.
Having been beaten 4-0 at Queens Park Rangers last time out, there have been some suggestions from supporters that Daniel Farke should ring the changes for this weekend to prepare for the play-offs.
Parker, however, has completely disregarded those claims, insisting Farke needs to go as strong as possible to ensure Leeds can take advantage of any slip-up.
Parker predicts the score for Leeds vs Southampton
Leeds may well already have one eye on the play-offs given their current situation in the league, but they still need to go into this game with belief.
Parker maintains that it is still possible Leeds can pull off the final day miracle they need, with all the onus and expectation on Ipswich to get a result.
However, Southampton will certainly be a tough game for Leeds as they look to also find some form ahead of the play-offs after the disappointment of three consecutive defeats.
Saints boss Russell Martin believes both sets of supporters will be feeling equally disappointed heading into this game, and a win for either could be vital to build some momentum.
And speaking on the latest episode of the LS11 Podcast, Parker believes that is exactly what Leeds are going to get, surprisingly predicting a comfortable scoreline.
He said: “We are going to win 3-0, the thing for me is while it’s still 0-0 at Ipswich, if we go a goal up that will filter through into Portman Road. Yes, they only need a point but it might just make them a bit nervous.
“That is what we need to do, get an early goal and put a bit of pressure on the Ipswich game. Then who knows? Funny things have happened, but yeah win 3-0 and let’s take care of our own business.”
Simon Jordan predicts if Leeds can pull off final day miracle
Leeds will be hoping and praying that their West Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield can somehow do them a favour on Saturday.
Ultimately, however, they are all but relegated themselves and so it is incredibly difficult to see them being up for it enough to even draw, never mind win.
And talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan believes there is practically no chance that Leeds will be able to pull off a final day miracle.
He said: “I sincerely doubt it [another twist could occur]. That’s assuming Leeds win their game because if Leeds don’t win their game, Ipswich don’t need any points. Really and truly, I can’t imagine it.
“Huddersfield are in the bottom three for a reason, Ipswich are at home, the hard yards were done at Coventry. I expect them to do more than enough to win the game. It’s a remarkable achievement.”