Leeds United will be promoted to the Premier League if they repeat their performance against Norwich City when they face Southampton, according to David Prutton.
Daniel Farke’s team will face Russell Martin’s Saints in the playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (26 May), after defeating Norwich 4-0 at Elland Road in the second leg of their semifinal.
Although Sky Sports host Prutton said Norwich’s defending was “woeful” last time out, he believes the Whites can repeat their great attacking performance in the capital.
Writing for the Yorkshire Evening Post (20 May), he said: “Leeds are just about favourites with the bookmakers, but I would say it is quite equal. I believe you have to consider Southampton’s performances and triumphs, as they have a slight psychological advantage.
“If there’s a school of thinking that says if Leeds perform like they did against Norwich on Thursday, they’ll get promoted, I can see that.
“But they were helped by some terrible Norwich defending, and Norwich appeared to have run out of ideas after the first leg. It takes a lot of effort for a team to play so poorly as a whole, yet Norwich did exactly that, which benefited Leeds.
“Yes, you must beat the squad ahead of you, but that team was not very good. Leeds has the ability to do something similar against Southampton, however, let’s be honest, Southampton is a far superior team to Norwich.
Will Leeds United beat Southampton to earn promotion to the Premier League?
When Leeds United have been at their best this season, they have demonstrated that they are capable of defeating anyone and everyone in the Championship.
After deceiving everyone in the first leg at Carrow Road, the Whites reminded everyone of their unwavering determination to advance with a dominant performance that set up a big playoff final battle at Wembley.
Southampton have caused issues for Farke’s side this season, and while it may be on one or two players’ minds going into Sunday’s game, they will still be considered favourites.
Hopefully, they can find the energy required to secure their place in the Premier League for the following season; else, it might be a summer of significant upheaval at Elland Road as Leeds attempt to balance the books.
