Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is the latest pundit to have given his prediction for the Championship play-off final between Leeds United and Southampton.
The two sides – who were both relegated from the Premier League together 12 months ago – will face off at Wembley tomorrow afternoon as they look to secure an immediate return to the top-flight.
It is almost impossible to split the teams heading into the game with Premier League quality players on the pitch wherever you look. The battle between Crysencio Summerville and Kyle Walker-Peters could be key.
During the regular season, Leeds actually finished three points above Southampton in the table. However, the Saints were the only team to complete a league double over Daniel Farke‘s side.
Farke will be hoping the absence of Patrick Bamford isn’t too hard felt, with the confirmed news of his injury yesterday the biggest headline from either manager’s press conference.
Keown predicts Leeds vs Southampton play-off final
The Championship play-off final is dubbed the richest game in football and as such, Keown is one of several pundits who have predicted tomorrow’s outcome.
Ben Parker and David Prutton are among those backing Leeds to get the job done, with the latter even suggesting it could go to penalties. Whites goalkeeper Illan Meslier says he has been doing his homework on them this week.
On the other hand, Simon Jordan is one of several pundits tipping Southampton to come out on top, in what could be one of the most entertaining play-off finals ever.
Speaking on talkSPORT yesterday, Keown has opted to side with the likes of Parker and Prutton by predicting Leeds to secure their place in the Premier League.
He said: “I am going to go with Leeds just because Alex (Crook) has gone the other way. I think they have now turned up a little bit, their last playoff game against Norwich.
“They have realised for themselves that they can actually, because they have blown up a bit, Leeds, haven’t they, but I think now they are starting to handle it, and I think they will win this game.”
Winner of Leeds vs Southampton to push for Man City’s James McAtee
Not only will Sunday’s winner be rewarded with the prize of Premier League football, but it is the finances that come with promotion which makes it so important.
Whoever comes out on top will be handed significantly more leeway when it comes to spending money in the transfer market this summer.
Parachute payments are cut by 10 per cent in the second season after relegation, with the EFL’s PSR constraints considerably tighter than the Premier League.
And there have already been reports that both sides will set their sights on a £20 million move for Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee if they win.
McAtee is a talented young player who City are willing to sell, and given the interested clubs, it just adds that extra layer to an already enthralling looking final.