It is the play-offs for Leeds United as they failed to hold onto second place in the Championship table and Richard Keys has predicted who will go up with the final at Wembley on May 26.
With Leeds boasting only a glimmer of hope on Saturday for a place in the top two, Daniel Farke watched his side lose 2-1 to Southampton at Elland Road as the Saints did the double over the Yorkshire club.
Leeds’ hope of an incredible turnaround on the final day were dashed even with the score at 0-0 as Ipswich took the lead. Leeds needed Huddersfield to produce a shock win over Ipswich at Portman Road.
But Ipswich cruised to a 2-0 win, securing Kieran McKenna’s men a place back in the Premier League. Leeds are now forced to go into the play-offs in bad form, having lost four of their last six League games.
Richard Keys gave his verdict immediately after Ipswich’s automatic promotion to the Premier League had been confirmed. He thinks it will be a Southampton and Leeds final, before predicting a potential winner.
Here is what the BeIN Sports presenter claimed:
Richard Keys predicts who will win the Championship play-offs
Leeds go into the play-offs then against Norwich, an exciting match-up with plenty of drama given it was the side where Farke made his name and secured two promotions before leaving the club back in 2021.
The Whites have already gone to Norwich and won, with Crysencio Summerville scoring a gorgeous goal to complete a 3-2 comeback. At Elland Road, Patrick Bamford scored the only goal of the game to win.
Keys expects both Leeds and Southampton to go into the final at Wembley on May 26. West Brom stand in Southampton’s path. Keys thinks they will reach the final and says Saturday’s result is an “indicator”.
“It means that Leeds go into the play-offs with The Saints. I would think, are favourites to meet in the play-off final. Perhaps today, an indicator of what would happen in that game if that materialises,” he said.
Simon Grayson tells fans his thoughts as Leeds face play-offs
On Saturday, iconic striker duo Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio were in the stands at Elland Road alongside their former manager Simon Grayson who himself was on media duties for the 2-1 defeat.
Currently impressing as a manager out in India, Grayson remains a loyal Leeds fan after guiding the Whites to promotion from League One to the Championship and he gave his thoughts on Instagram.
“Not to be today at Elland Road, but winning in the play-offs at Wembley is always the best way to get promoted. Always good to catch up with some great former players and even better lads,” he wrote.
“Daniel Farke who I’m sure will guide Leeds United to the Premier League, add a bit of media work too, it’s been a busy day. Keep believing, even after a poor end to the season promotion is still achievable.”
