Eddie Gray has previewed Sunday’s Championship play-off final between Southampton and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium, admitting it would be a “tough” game for his team.
The entire season comes down to one game, a promotion shootout with the possibility to win at the home of English football. Leeds were so close to finishing in the top two, but were pipped by Ipswich Town.
However, following a disappointing conclusion to the season, Daniel Farke has re-energized this Leeds team with two crucial performances against Norwich City in the play-off semi-finals to reach the holy grail of a Wembley final.
A vital 0-0 draw at Carrow Road, which in retrospect was arguably equally as essential as the second-leg 4-0 victory at Elland Road. Leeds had one clean sheet in eight games and four losses in six, but the draw put an end to their woes.
It gave Leeds the lead in the second leg, and after Ilia Gruev’s early goal, there was no way back. The victory was never in doubt, and momentum has returned ahead of Sunday’s final against Southampton.
Of course, Saints are coming off a fine 3-1 win over West Brom and are confident of beating Leeds both at home and away. Gray, a Leeds icon, previewed the match in an ITV interview.
Gray believes Leeds can finally beat Southampton on Sunday.
Yes, Leeds lost both times to Southampton. But the first game, away at St. Mary’s, was a bit of an aberration, with Daniel Farke making the incorrect team selection, leaving out Joe Rodon, Archie Gray, and others.
Leeds are a lot better team, and Farke knows who his top players are today. After missing out on the top two, Leeds knew they were heading into the play-offs on the season’s last day.\
Gray told ITV that it will be a tough game against Southampton, but he believes his old team will win. We’re going into it knowing we’re facing a team that has turned us over.
“However, I believe we’ve made significant progress over the season. I believe it will be a difficult game because they are a strong team. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win this game.”
What the pundits are predicting when Leeds face Southampton
Ally McCoist is one of the country’s most popular experts and commentators, and he did not hesitate to make his prediction, preferring Leeds to overcome Southampton on penalties.
Dion Dublin, on the other hand, believes Southampton will win the match, while Adrian Clarke agrees, believing Russell Martin’s side is better coached and tactically proficient than Leeds.
Ultimately, it will be a very close game, and it will come down to whoever team shows up on the day. Leeds are capable of defeating Southampton, but vice versa, and Leeds will hopefully prevail.
