Leeds United may have already faced the game plan that Southampton will use in the play-off final this weekend at Wembley Stadium.
Russell Martin’s side defeated Daniel Farke’s Whites 2-1 less than three weeks ago, and the two teams advanced past West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City in their respective play-off semi-finals, setting up a thrilling Championship finale in the nation’s capital this Sunday.
Having previously played each other, both sets of players will be aware of the direct opponent they will face, while Martin and Farke will try to outsmart each other from the touchline.
Speaking following the Saints’ triumph earlier this month, Martin stated that a change in his team’s mindset on the day helped them win at Elland Road. Southampton’s starting lineup featured more defensive-minded players, as well as a more direct, vertical approach that attempted to stretch Leeds in behind by forcing them to turn to face Illan Meslier’s goal.
As Farke revealed, he told his squad to ‘go for it’, Saints took advantage of Leeds’ looser-than-usual defensive strategy.
“We soaked up pressure against a really good side in the second half,” Martin stated at halftime. “I am proud of them. I believe there is more to come.
“We tried something unusual, and it worked fairly nicely. We have it ready in case we need it. Two good teams, a good advertisement for the championship.
“It suits the game today without putting particular individuals on the field, and it’s something we may do in the playoffs. We worked on it all week.
“Having that many defenders on the pitch wasn’t a bad thing; I explained why to the players, and they were all for it. Players seem to like having new toys to play with,” he added.
On May 4, Martin predicted which two teams would advance to the play-off final: “Our focus is on us and being aware we might play this team [Leeds] in three weeks’ time.”
The Saints manager’s prediction has come true after second-leg triumphs against the Baggies and Canaries, with a place in the Premier League on the line this weekend. Meanwhile, both sides are anticipated to sell out their Wembley Stadium allocations.
