Phil Hay drops ‘immensely frustrating’ Southampton prediction ahead of Leeds United clash
Phil Hay has predicted an “immensely frustrating” clash between Leeds United and Southampton on the final day of the season amid the battle with Ipswich Town to claim automatic promotion.
Though just three points behind second place, Leeds are set to face the Saints at Elland Road while the Tractor Boys only have to avoid defeat against relegation-bound Huddersfield Town at Portman Road to seal promotion.
While it is still mathematically possible for the Whites to knock Ipswich out of the top two spots on the final day, the majority of fans have already begun preparing for the Championship play-offs.
Speaking via The Square Ball podcast on Friday (3 May), Hay said: “There is a chance that Saturday becomes immensely frustrating as Southampton pass and pass and pass.
“32,322 attempted passes by Southampton, Leeds are on 25,000, the mighty Rotherham on 15,000. It causes a bit of growling and moaning down at Southampton – ball back and forth.
“I know there’s a bit of that at Leeds but they really do push it to extremes. If it’s one of those days when Ipswich are 2-0 up, and it’s 0-0 at Leeds, it’s going to be hard work.”
Leeds United must beat Southampton in Championship finale
While Leeds’ future is totally out of their own hands now, Daniel Farke and his players must ensure they claim all three points against the Saints, whether Ipswich slip up or not.
Of course, in the unlikely event that Kieran McKenna’s side are unable to avoid defeat to 23rd-place Huddersfield, Leeds must be there to take advantage and leapfrog them into the second automatic spot.
Even if this does not come to fruition, going into the Championship play-offs following a resounding win will do wonders for the squad’s morale, especially after missing out on automatic promotion.
The Whites will also be keen to rectify their loss to Southampton from earlier in the season when Adam Armstrong and William Smallbone dealt Leeds a 3-1 defeat at St Mary’s Stadium.
The Elland Road crowd will also have the chance to show support for their team, who have been tremendous this season and will be hoping for one last final twist.
In other Leeds United news, a teenage sensation is now set to snub Manchester United in order to move to Elland Road.
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