Leeds and Southampton face off in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, both vying for a swift return to the Premier League.
Commonly known as the ‘richest game in football’, these finals are typically tight contests, with only one of the last 11 seeing more than two goals in normal time. However, Sunday’s match could defy this pattern, featuring two teams capable of achieving automatic promotion in an average season.
Our head of football experts, Tyler Morris, has provided detailed insights in our Match Predictions section, while below we have looked at some additional markets and created a whopping 27/1 Bet Builder to make the most of what should be an exciting afternoon at Wembley.
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Championship Playoff Final Ultimate Bet Builder
Jack Stephens to be Carded
The performance of Southampton’s defensive setup will be crucial in their clash against Leeds United. Manager Russell Martin has experimented with a back-three formation, which was employed in their final match against Sunday’s opponents. Although this strategy led to a victory, it did not display the same effectiveness in the first leg of their semi-final against West Brom.
Leeds United are expected to exploit the right flank, which will test the defensive capabilities of Southampton’s left side. Jack Stephens, whether deployed as a left-back or part of a back-three, will find himself in the thick of the action. His responsibilities include covering for the advancing Ryan Manning in a back-three or contending with Wilfried Gnonto and Archie Gray if positioned in a back-four.
Given his defensive duties, Stephens will likely be heavily involved in direct challenges and interceptions. He has consistently made at least two successful tackles in his last four outings, achieving three or more in two of those matches. This statistic highlights his active engagement in halting opposition advances, making the prospect of him receiving a card quite plausible. The intensity of the match and the pressure from Leeds’ attackers will only heighten the chances of him committing fouls worthy of a booking. Thus, betting on Jack Stephens to be carded appears to be a sensible choice given the circumstances and his recent form.
Adam Armstrong to Score
Adam Armstrong has been a pivotal figure for Southampton throughout the season, showcasing his prowess as a reliable goal scorer. With an impressive tally of 21 goals, he stands as the leading scorer for his team and a vital component of their offensive strategy. Armstrong’s knack for exploiting defensive errors and his adept finishing skills pose a significant threat to Leeds United’s defensive line.
Armstrong’s current form bolsters the case for him finding the net in this crucial encounter. His recent performances, including a brace in the semi-final, underline his confidence and precision in front of goal. As a player who thrives under pressure, Armstrong is likely to be at the forefront of Southampton’s attacking efforts.
The high stakes of the match further amplify the necessity for Southampton to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities. Armstrong’s ability to convert chances will be critical to his team’s success. His sharpness and positioning will be instrumental in breaking down Leeds’ defence, making him a prime candidate to score in this fixture. Betting on Adam Armstrong to score is backed by his season-long form and his crucial role in Southampton’s attack.
Over 2.5 Goals
Both Leeds United and Southampton have demonstrated their offensive capabilities throughout the season, making the prospect of a high-scoring game quite likely. Southampton have averaged 1.9 goals per game, while Leeds have managed 1.8, indicating that both teams possess potent attacking forces.
In their regular season encounters, matches between these two sides have consistently produced at least three goals. Southampton’s recent form shows that over 2.5 goals have been a winning bet in seven of their last nine games. Similarly, Leeds have seen this bet come through in four of their last five matches. This trend underscores the high-scoring nature of their games.
The attacking quality on both sides suggests that there will be ample opportunities for goals. With both teams eager to secure a win, the match is expected to be open and dynamic, providing numerous chances for goal-scoring. Therefore, predicting over 2.5 goals in this match is well-supported by the season’s statistics and the attacking intent of both teams.
Total Corners Over 12
Leeds United and Southampton have consistently earned a substantial number of corners throughout the season. Leeds average six corners per game, while Southampton average 7.4, indicating a combined total that comfortably exceeds 12 corners.
Both teams employ attacking styles that rely heavily on wing play and frequent crosses into the box. This approach naturally leads to a high corner count, as defenders often resort to clearing the ball out of play to prevent scoring opportunities. In a high-stakes match where both sides will be pushing hard for goals, the likelihood of numerous corners increases.
Given the attacking intent and style of play from both Leeds and Southampton, predicting over 12 corners is a logical choice. The statistics from the season support this bet, highlighting the propensity of both teams to generate a high number of corner kicks. This bet aligns with the tactical approaches and the expected flow of the game.
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