Southampton face Leeds United on Saturday and Russell Martin has explained why the atmosphere may not be what it usually is at Elland Road this weekend.
In the final game of the Championship season, Leeds play host to The Saints in what is third against fourth and possibly a rehearsal for what could be the play-off final at Wembley on May 26.
The Whites still have a chance of finishing in second place but need to beat Southampton and hope nearly-relegated Huddersfield conjure up a shock win over Ipswich Town, at Portman Road on Saturday.
Daniel Farke’s side can only do what is in their power and that is securing a home win. Ben Parker thinks an early Leeds goal could pile the pressure on Ipswich and predicted a 3-0 win for the Yorkshire club.
Southampton manager Martin was asked about this weekend’s clash and he said that it should be a “good” atmosphere at Elland Road but that could change if Ipswich take the lead against Huddersfield.
Martin also said the clash would be “brilliant” preparation for the Championship play-offs after Saturday:
Russell Martin shares why Leeds atmosphere might be different
There is a feeling of cautious optimism among the Leeds support ahead of the game and especially after Farke said he believes there is a chance in Thursday’s press conference that Leeds could still get second.
Simon Jordan doesn’t believe Leeds have any chance of securing a place in the top two behind Leicester City. Indeed, it is a very slim chance and Martin thinks an Ipswich goal could change the atmosphere.
“We’ll have a lot of people paying a lot of money to travel and watch the game. We owe it to them and to ourselves to finish the season as well as we possibly can. Great preparation for the play-offs,” Martin said.
“It will be a good atmosphere or maybe it won’t be the minute Ipswich score against Huddersfield, I don’t know. It will be brilliant preparation for us as we get ready for the two biggest games of our season.”
The injury status of the Leeds squad ahead of Southampton clash
Farke has confirmed that Leeds will be without three key players for the clash. Dan James and Connor Roberts have not been able to return in time and they join Pascal Struijk on the sidelines at Elland Road.
Doubts remain over Patrick Bamford’s availability after he sustained a knock to his knee at Middlesbrough which saw him miss the clash against QPR. It is still unclear if he is available to play against Southampton.
While Farke might have thrown him in to the starting line-up if it was the last game of the season, the possibility of play-offs means that Farke has to be careful with his selection on Saturday lunchtime.