Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer clash with Micah Richards over Leeds United playoff verdict
Micah Richards has clashed with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer and backed Leeds United to win promotion after their draw with Norwich City.
Daniel Farke’s side were unable to break the deadlock in the first leg of their semi-final clash at Carrow Road on Sunday (12 May) drawing 0-0 with the Canaries to set up a deciding showdown at Elland Road.
In the other semi-final, Southampton drew away to West Brom at The Hawthorns and while both Lineker and Shearer still believe the Saints will win promotion to the Premier League, Richards is backing the Whites.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football (13 May, 34:00) he said: “After today’s evidence, I haven’t got a clue. Leeds, I’m sticking with Leeds.”
Lineker replied: “They’re always a bit cautious in the first leg, I suspect it might be Leeds and Southampton, they’re good results for those two sides, aren’t they? I think I said Southampton.”
Shearer agreed saying: “I said Southampton didn’t I? I thought that was a good result for them, zip-zip away from home so I would fancy Southampton to get through.”
Will Leeds United or Southampton win promotion to the Premier League this season?
Although most Leeds United supporters would have liked to have seen their side run riot at Carrow Road on Sunday, the majority of fans will agree that a draw away from home has stood the Whites in good stead.
For so much of the season, Farke’s side looked unbeatable in front of the home crowd at Elland Road and the German will be hoping that streak returns when the Canaries visit on Thursday (16 May).
Without Patrick Bamford, it won’t be easy for Leeds to break down David Wagner’s side, but the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter have the ability to tear apart even the most stubborn of defences.
Hopefully, Farke’s Whites will be able to prove both Shearer and Lineker wrong and set up a Wembley final against one of Southampton or the Baggies. Until then, however, no one in the changing room will be thinking about anything beyond Thursday’s match.
In other Leeds United news, the frontrunners have been named in the battle to sign Luke Ayling following his Elland Road exit
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.