Leeds United will play their final regular-season game at home against Southampton on Saturday.
When this fixture was drawn in June of last year, it appeared to be a potential automatic promotion decider. For much of the campaign, it was going to be.
However, with a decline in form on both sides, it is now essentially a dead rubber. Southampton have dropped out of the race, while Leeds have the slimmest of hopes, needing on all but relegated Huddersfield Town to win away against Ipswich Town to have any chance.
Both teams will approach the play-offs in low form, but given how close Leeds came to finishing in the top two, Martin O’Neill believes they will struggle to recover.
With that in mind, a win this weekend would be critical for Leeds’ confidence, and adjustments to the starting lineup could aid in that effort.
Parker can’t believe what some Leeds supporters are saying regarding Saturday’s game.
Given Leeds’ dismal performance at QPR, Daniel Farke could benefit from some rotation this weekend. Glen Kamara should go to midfield, while Mateo Joseph deserves a chance in attack.
Although Leeds’ chances of finishing in the top two are slim, Farke cannot afford to make too many changes because they must be prepared to capitalise on any potential Ipswich slip-up.
In the newest episode of the LS11 Podcast, former Leeds defender Ben Parker claims he’s heard some fans advocate Farke make major changes.
Parker, on the other hand, cannot believe it is even in some people’s minds, because if Ipswich loses and Leeds fails to capitalise due to a heavily rotated side, the Whites would become a laughing stock.
He stated: “Just win the game. I’ve heard a few folks suggest resting the strongest squad and giving the players a break heading into the playoffs. Why? We need to win to gain momentum and create a positive atmosphere.
“Imagine if we did play, say the kids, and Huddersfield won and we didn’t because we played a depleted team. Imagine that. That would be the ultimate Leeds thing to do. Just the win game; if we get a favor, so be it; if not, we’ll get that winning sensation again.”
Simon Jordan predicts a final-day miracle
Simon Jordan predicts if Leeds can pull off final day miracle for Leeds United against West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield on Saturday.
Ultimately, however, they are all but relegated, thus it is quite tough to see them being competitive enough to even draw, let alone win.
And talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan says Leeds are unlikely to pull off a final-day miracle.
He stated, “I sincerely doubt it [another twist could occur].” That is assuming Leeds wins their game; if Leeds does not win, Ipswich does not need any points. I really can’t imagine it.
“Huddersfield is in the bottom three for a reason, Ipswich are at home, and the heavy work was done in Coventry. I expect them to accomplish enough to win the game. It’s a great accomplishment.
