Leeds v Southampton Betting Tips
Under 3.5 Goals
Half Time Draw
Will Smallbone to have 1 or more Shots on Target
Joel Piroe to Commit 1 or more Fouls
Adam Armstrong to Commit 1 or more Fouls
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Leeds v Southampton
Championship Play-Off Final match at Wembley Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports Main Event & Football, Sunday, 3pm
Under 3.5 Goals
Often deemed ‘the richest game in football’, the Championship Play-Off Final is a clash like no other. It is usually said that form heading into the Play-Offs counts for nothing and that term could apply specifically regarding to the showpiece event at Wembley. One common trend that has materialised from this contest is the lack of goals over recent years. The previous 12 have all finished with Under 3.5 Goals inside 90 minutes, including nine ending with Under 2.5.
It doesn’t necessarily mean this will too, but absolutely everything is on the line and naturally there will be some nerves. Plenty of respect will also be on show, especially given the talent on each roster. A very tactical game should ensue, meaning goals are far from guaranteed.
Half Time Draw
Southampton have the highest average ball possession in the whole league but the two regular season meetings saw Leeds achieve a greater percentage on the day. That is one question to answer, as is what formation The Saints will play. It’s suspected they’ll go with the 3-5-2 system that’s made Russel Martin’s men more defensively secure, and remember, they have a bottom-half record based on goals conceded compared to Leeds, who are only second to champions Leicester in that category.
Therefore, this is anticipated to be a bit of a slow burner, at least until the flow of the game is determined. The first goal is absolutely pivotal and everyone saw in the first legs of the semi-finals how important that is. One suspects this first half will resemble something like those two 0-0 first legs.
Will Smallbone to have 1 or more Shots on Target
There are obvious names that jump off the page when thinking of Leeds and Southampton players most likely to find the back of the net. That is reflected in the odds in the form of players such as Crysencio Summerville and Adam Armstrong to name but two. However, both coaches have had just over a week to put together their tactical plans for this huge fixture, and both should have serious plans for players such as this, especially given this is set to be a real tactical battle.
Therefore, others will have to step to the plate to contribute a goal threat. Will Smallbone catches the eye as one of those likelier types. The 24-year-old scored earlier this month when facing Leeds, firing in two shots on target over the 90 minutes. He also managed another goal in the second-leg victory over West Brom. The midfielder isn’t a frequent scorer but the timing of his runs will give Leeds something to think about.
Joel Piroe to Commit 1 or more Fouls
The Southampton team and formation is more up for debate compared to Leeds, who really should be fielding the same XI that tore Norwich apart in their Play-Off semi-final second leg. This means Joel Piroe should be leading the line, particularly having scored versus Norwich. The ex-Swansea man has started four of the last six in the continued absence of Patrick Bamford and Daniel Farke looks to have assigned him a particular role out of possession.
He has committed a foul in three of the last four, having not made one since March before this mini-sequence. Southampton will build from the back and Piroe will be the first point of defence they’ll come up against. They really do take some risks and the striker will sense the chance of pinching the ball high up the pitch, but should continue his recent theme of committing at least a foul.
Adam Armstrong to Commit 1 or more Fouls
Adam Armstrong is another forward who hasn’t been afraid to get stuck in recently. Southampton’s top goalscorer is however, much more consistent in comparison to his opposing number when it comes to getting a ticking off from the referee. For all that a big part of his game is his goal involvements, he is a tenacious and busy forward who works hard off the ball, too.
This is reflected by the fact that Armstrong has only failed to commit a foul in four of the 14 matches Southampton have played since the start of March, and in one of those he didn’t start. He heads into the final off the back of committing two fouls against WBA in the second leg, and the stakes are even higher on this occasion.
Leeds v Southampton Bet Builder Tips
Under 3.5 Goals
Half Time Draw
Will Smallbone to have 1 or more Shots on Target
Joel Piroe to Commit 1 or more Fouls
Adam Armstrong to Commit 1 or more Fouls
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 17/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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