Former Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton has issued his prediction for Southampton against Leeds.
The stage is set at Wembley for the Championship play-off final between Southampton and Leeds United.
Russell Martin’s men overcame the challenge of West Brom in the semi-final while Leeds saw off Daniel Farke’s former employers, Norwich City.
The two clubs will battle it out for the biggest prize in world football and a return to the Premier League.
Southampton currently hold the psychological advantage over the Whites having secured two victories against them in the league, with Francis Benali believing Ross Stewart could have a ‘big say’ in the final.
Although the South Coasters have got the better of Farke’s men in the league, anything can happen in a play-off final and Chris Sutton has issued his prediction.
Chris Sutton issues Southampton vs Leeds United prediction
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast, Sutton has given Southampton supporters reason to be optimistic about the upcoming challenge.
The 51-year-old thinks the Saints will beat Leeds and return to the top flight after selecting them before a ball was even kicked.
“Before a ball was kicked in the play-offs, I thought Southampton would be the team to come back up,” Sutton said.
“I just think they’ve been so impressive under Russell Martin this season. They have the belief and the momentum. It’s a tough one to call but if I was picking a team, I would fancy Southampton to edge it against Leeds United.”
Sutton has touched on momentum playing a factor but in a final with lots at stake, it’s normally the team who can hold their nerves the best who prevail.
How Southampton can shut down Leeds United
Southampton’s relentless possession-oriented style can be of help to Martin’s troops in the final.
It’s important the South Coasters take control of the match to ease their nerves early on and gaining the upper hand in midfield through the likes of Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone could be crucial to achieving that.
Defensively, Southampton will have to be wary of Leeds on the counter as the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Summerville will look to exploit the large acres of space on the Wembley turf.
However, Martin’s side did restrict Leeds to limited opportunities in the final league fixture of the campaign and it was a switch to a 3-5-2 formation at Elland Road that put an end to a run of three consecutive defeats that included a 5-0 hammering courtesy of Leicester City.
Whilst Southampton have defended resolutely since making that tactical switch, it only takes one lapse in concentration for Farke’s potent attack to take advantage.
Winning the midfield battle, controlling possession and stopping the counter-attack are the three ingredients that can see Martin’s men come out on top in the final.