Neil Warnock has decided who he wants to win the Championship play-off final between Leeds and Southampton.
Leeds secured their place at Wembley Stadium on Thursday with a 4-0 victory over Norwich City, and Southampton confirmed their attendance Friday night.
The Saints overcame West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in the second leg, and the two teams that placed third and fourth will now compete for the final slot in next season’s Premier League.
Leeds finished three points ahead of Southampton in the regular season, but were defeated in both league games, including the last day earlier this month.
Leeds, who won a home play-off tie for the first time since 1987, will be seeking to make history by achieving promotion through this route for the sixth time.
Warnock forecasts the Leeds Southampton play-off final.
Before the play-offs began, OPTA’s supercomputer predicted Leeds and Southampton to reach the final, and that is exactly what happened.
Most commentators have predicted the final, with Gary Lineker and Simon Jordan already endorsing the Saints and Micah Richards choosing his hometown team Leeds.
Former Leeds manager Warnock was on punditry duty for Sky Sports at St. Mary’s last night and was asked to make a prediction once Southampton’s spot in the final was secured.
In classic Warnock manner, the 75-year-old responded with hilarity, refusing to commit to who he believes would win the final.
He said: “I used to manage Leeds, and I’ve been here observing Southampton fans, so I’ll say a draw, followed by anyone on penalties. No way I’m going to commit; imagine me shouting Southampton to Leeds fans if I go to the game. “You won’t get me to say that!”
When is the Championship Play-off Final?
The Championship play-off final will take place on Sunday, May 26th, 2024, at Wembley Stadium.
Unlike the previous two years, which began at later times of 16.45 and 16.30, this one will begin slightly earlier at 3pm (BST).
It will be accessible to watch on Sky Sports, but you will need a valid membership to view the channels.
The match can also be streamed live on Sky’s own Sky Go app for mobile and computer.
