Neil Warnock has given his verdict on who he wants to win the Championship play-off final between Leeds and Southampton.
After Leeds booked their place at Wembley on Thursday with an emphatic 4-0 win over Norwich City, it was Southampton who confirmed they would be joining them last night.
The Saints defeated West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in the second leg and it will now be the two sides who finished third and fourth respectively fighting for that last spot in next season’s Premier League.
Leeds finished three points above Southampton in the regular campaign but were also beaten in both league meetings, including on the final day earlier this month.
Having won a home play-off tie for the first time since 1987, Leeds will also be looking to make history by being promoted via this route at the sixth attempt.
Warnock predicts Leeds Southampton play-off final
OPTA’s supercomputer had Leeds and Southampton as the two favourites to reach the final before the play-offs even kicked off, and that is how it has turned out.
Most pundits have also predicted this final, with Gary Lineker and Simon Jordan already among those backing Saints, and Micah Richards tipping his hometown club Leeds.
Former Leeds boss Warnock was on punditry duty for Sky Sports at St. Mary’s last night and was asked to give his prediction once Southampton’s place in the final was confirmed.
In typical Warnock fashion, the 75-year-old gave an hilarious response as he refused to commit either way on who he expects to win the final.
He said: “I used to manage Leeds and I have been here watching supporters of Southampton so I will say a draw, and then anybody on penalties. No way I am going to commit myself, can you imagine me saying Southampton with Leeds fans if I go to the game. No way, you won’t get me saying that!”
When is the Championship play-off final?
The Championship play-off final will take place on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, at the usual venue of Wembley Stadium.
Unlike in the last two years where it has got underway at later times of 16.45 and 16.30 respectively, this one will kick-off slightly earlier at 3pm (BST).
It will be available to watch on Sky Sports, though you must have a valid subscription to gain access to the channels.
The match is also available to livestream through Sky’s dedicated Sky Go app on your mobile or computer.