A victory against Leeds would significantly boost Southampton’s momentum.
On Saturday afternoon, Leeds United will host Southampton in the final fixture of the regular Championship season. The Whites could secure automatic promotion with a win, provided Ipswich Town do not earn four points from their remaining two matches.
However, Russell Martin’s Southampton has faced setbacks recently, suffering three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 5-0 loss to now-promoted Leicester City and a 1-0 defeat against Stoke City. As a result, the significance of Saturday’s match between Leeds and Southampton has shifted, but it remains crucial for Martin’s team.
Saints need to regain form ahead of the play-offs.
Recently, the Hampshire team has struggled, conceding eight goals and scoring just one in their last three matches. It’s crucial for them to regain their form before the play-offs commence. Play-off matches are typically tight and momentum-driven, so the Saints need to rebuild their confidence ahead of these crucial games.
While Southampton has been impressive in scoring, tallying 85 goals this season, their defense has been a weakness, conceding 62 goals, second only to Norwich City among current top-six teams. Martin and his team must focus on strengthening their defense to avoid conceding too many goals in the play-offs, as their goal is to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Securing a victory against Leeds United would provide a significant boost to Southampton’s momentum.
If Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town successfully fulfill their task, one of Southampton’s play-off competitors will be Daniel Farke’s Leeds United. Southampton will view the opportunity to face Leeds on the final day of the regular season as crucial.
If Leeds fail to secure a top-two finish, they will enter the play-offs with diminished morale and poor form, especially following their recent 4-0 defeat to Queen’s Park Rangers. An out-of-form Leeds could work in Southampton’s favor in their promotion push.
Similarly, top-six contenders West Brom and Norwich City have also struggled recently. West Brom has lost three consecutive games, while Norwich has only won two of their last five matches and endured two consecutive draws.
David Wagner’s team faces Birmingham City on the final day, a potential obstacle as Birmingham needs a win to avoid relegation. Therefore, a victory for Southampton against Leeds could provide them with the confidence and momentum they need for the play-offs, while defeat could have the opposite effect.