TalkSPORT’s Jamie O’Hara has been discussing the play-offs with former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
The pair were speaking following the conclusion of the final day of the Championship, in which Southampton beat Leeds United 2-1.
Russell Martin‘s side were impressive at Elland Road and the impact of the result mentally if the two teams meet again in the play-off final at Wembley in three weeks could be massive.
It was also a much needed win after three consecutive defeats and means the Saints can go into their play-off semi-final with West Brom with a spring in their step.
Had Southampton lost a fourth straight game against Leeds the feeling would be very different going into such season-defining games but, as it is, O’Hara was quick to talk up the Saints’ chances.
Jamie O’Hara thinks Southampton will win play-offs
O’Hara, who played for Southampton’s fierce rivals Portsmouth, started the discussion by mentioning the form of Norwich City.
The Saints have avoided the in-form Canaries, with Leeds instead having to face Daniel Wagner’s side.
O’Hara said: “I mean, I look at it and go, Norwich’s form actually, I mean, they lost today, Norwich, but their form has actually been half-decent.”
He then went on to predict that Martin and his players would taste victory at Wembley, as he added: “I would go Southampton. I just think the football they play against decent sides, possession.”
Agbonlahor was far less committal with his assessment of the situation, saying: “West Brom are a decent team when they are at it, and so are Southampton when they are at it, as they showed today.”
“I think it is hard to call, mate. If I was a betting man, which I am not really, I wouldn’t know who to choose.”
Southampton have the edge over play-off rivals
The win over Leeds on Saturday saw the Saints do the double over the Yorkshire side in the Championship this season.
However, it is not just Leeds that Southampton have a good record against this campaign, as Martin’s side are actually unbeaten against each of their play-off rivals.
The 2-1 win at Elland Road came after a 3-1 home win for Southampton against Leeds in September, whilst the St Mary’s club have won home and away against West Brom this season.
The only one of the play-off sides Southampton have been unable to beat this season is Norwich, but crucially they have not lost either with the two teams playing out two draws.
The first of these came in a thrilling encounter in the third league game of the season in a 4-4 draw, whilst the second saw the honours shared with a 1-1 draw on New Years’ Day.