Play Off Final - Leeds Utd v Southampton
Leeds United v Southampton
Sunday 26th May@15:00 | Wembley
The 2023/24 football season comes to an end on Sunday, as Leeds and Southampton lock horns at Wembley to decide the biggest prize in World club football today.
TV deals, sponsorship and other income streams worth an estimated £265m are at stake for the winners, as well as trips to the likes of the Etihad, Emirates and Old Trafford, a sharp contrast to days out at Portsmouth, Derby and Oxford Utd.
Leeds have been given the home England dressing room, and an allocation of 35,796 seats (East side), with their South coast opponents occupying the West (35,667). Leeds will play in their famous all white kit, inspired by the late, great Don Revie; how ominous that this game should be decided exactly thirty-five years to the day of his sad passing.
There's no love lost between Daniel Farke and Russell Martin who Captained the Canaries during Farke's early tenure at Carrow Road. The two don't get on, which led to the Scot ending his eight year stay with Norwich, and joining Walsall (in 2018).
Leeds will keep their cards close to their chest regarding the fitness of Patrick Bamford. He has missed four games with a knee injury (minor trauma in his patellar tendon). Joel Piroe, who impressed in the second leg against Norwich, stands by. Pascal Struijk remains a long term casualty.
On-loan defender Connor Roberts is still looking to get back to full fitness, having picked up an ankle injury whilst on duty with Wales last time out. Both he, and fellow International team-mate Dan James (bruised ribs v Boro) were given a run-out during the last twenty minutes or so during the 4-0 win last Thursday evening.
Saints Striker Che Adams will be fit for the visit to Wembley. The 27yo forward has been in sparkling form for the South Coast outfit, netting 18 times this season from just 27 starts. Fellow forward Adam Armstrong (23 goals and 13 goals) shook off an ankle injury, and terrorised the West Brom defence in their 3-1 drubbing. Namesake Stuart Armstrong (no relation) misses out through injury.
Shot stopper Gavin Bazunu has a ruptured Achilles tendon which is likely to keep him out until next year. One time Leeds keeper Alex McCarthy will continue to deputise. Striker Ross Stewart could play his first game in over six months after coming a troublesome hamstring problem!