Leeds United will make one last push for automatic promotion as they host Southampton in their Championship season finale. Neither side has been at their best lately but Leeds will be keen to close out their campaign with a win in front of their fans and should have the upper hand here.
Leeds United have found things difficult in recent weeks, claiming just one win from their last five matches. Despite sitting third on the standings, that poor run means automatic promotion is no longer in their control as they will need a favour from Huddersfield at Ipswich Town.
It was a disappointing outing for Leeds United in their previous Championship fixture as they were hammered 4-0 at QPR. They had plenty of possession but lacked the cutting edge in attack while also being far too open at the back.
One thing that will still give Leeds United confidence heading into Saturday’s clash is their record at Elland Road, where they have lost just once all season. Daniel Farke’s men have picked up nine wins from their last 11 home matches.
Southampton appeared to have played themselves into automatic promotion contention in early April having secured a run of wins. However, they have now lost their way again, suffering defeats in their last three matches.
Sitting seven points off second placed Ipswich Town, Southampton can no longer secure automatic promotion and will have to settle for the playoffs. Russell Martin’s men will head into Saturday’s clash off the back of a 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City last time out in the Championship.
Southampton have also found things difficult on their travels, claiming just one win from their last six away matches. They have been beaten four times in that run, including back-to-back defeats in their last two fixtures on the road.
How the bookies view it
Leeds United have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 13/20 by Unibet to claim the win. A victory for Southampton is valued at 9/2 by bet365 while a draw is set at odds of 10/3 by BoyleSports.
Head to head
Leeds United have a 34-21 advantage with 13 draws from 68 previous matches against Southampton. However, the Saints picked up a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture back in September.
Players to watch
Crysencio Summerville is the leading scorer for Leeds United with 19 Championship goals and will be the one to watch on Saturday. The forward is priced at 17/10 by Unibet to get on the score sheet.
Southampton have attacking quality of their own, particularly Adam Armstrong, who has 20 Championship goals this season. The forward was also on target in the reverse fixture and is priced at 13/5 by Paddy Power to find the net on Saturday.
Anything else catch the eye?
There were over 3.5 goals in the reverse fixture and a similar outcome is priced at 13/10 with Unibet. Leeds United could be backed to score in both halves on Saturday at 5/4 with William Hill.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Leeds United victory, a win and both teams to score could be considered at 15/8 by bet365.
This England Championship match between Leeds United and Southampton will be played on May 4, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Leeds United vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
