Leeds vs Southampton Predictions

• There were at least three goals scored in both meetings between these sides this season.
• Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of Leeds’ last five games.
• Over 2.5 goals has landed in seven of Southampton’s last nine.

Leeds face Saints in play-off final

Leeds and Southampton meet in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday as both teams bid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Often billed as the ‘richest game in football’, these games are generally cagey affairs and there have only been more than two goals scored in normal time in one of the last 11 Championship play-off finals – but Sunday’s fixture may buck that trend.

Both teams capable of contributing

Southampton were the third highest scorers in the league this season with an impressive 87 goals in 46 games, behind only promoted pair Leicester and Ipswich. Leeds weren’t far behind either with 81 goals – so over 2.5 goals looks a reasonable starting point here.

There have been at least three goals scored in total in four of Leeds’ last five and in seven of Southampton’s last nine, and both meetings between these sides produced at least three goals.

A cagey start should probably still be expected but an early goal could see this game spring into life and there is enough attacking talent within both teams to feel a first half opener is likely, which would potentially open the floodgates.

Extra time could be required

Saints won both league meetings with Leeds and they will draw confidence from that, but previous results often count for very little in these one-off games and Leeds did have their chances in the two league meetings.

Three of the last seven play-off finals in this division have gone into extra time and this game may not be resolved after 90 minutes. A 2-2 result is the correct score prediction as both of these sides averaged just under two goals per-game in the Championship this season.

There are a few potential scorers who stand out but Leeds’ Joel Piroe is arguably the strongest option. The Dutchman scored for his side in the 2-1 loss to Saints at Elland Road in the final round of regular season games and was on target in the 4-0 second leg win over Norwich, so he heads into this game in form and can find the back of the net at Wembley on Sunday.