Leeds vs Southampton predictions: Farke's flock set to fall short
- Leeds have failed to win four of their last five matches
- Southampton have not lost four games in a row since September
- Recommended bet: Southampton or draw double chance
Leeds have stumbled on numerous occasions during the Championship run-in, but they are still in with a small chance of automatic promotion as they prepare to take on Southampton at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side are three points behind second-placed Ipswich, but they have a superior goal difference and could swap places with the Suffolk side on the final day of the regular season.
Leeds would be promoted if they can take three points and Ipswich are beaten by second-bottom Huddersfield at Portman Road.
Saints are certain of featuring in the play-offs, but they will be looking for a morale-boosting result after losing each of their last three fixtures.
Team news
Dan James (stomach), Darko Gyabi and Pascal Struijk (both groin) are unavailable and face a race against time to play any further part this season for the hosts.
Patrick Bamford (bruised knee) and Connor Roberts (match fitness) will be given late fitness tests.
Joe Rothwell (hamstring) is a doubt and Stuart Armstrong, Juan Larios (both hamstring) and Gavin Bazunu (Achilles) are not expected to feature again until next season.
Long-term absentee Ross Stewart (muscle strain) has been making progress and could feature in the play-offs.
The stats
Leeds have failed to win four of their last five fixtures, however, their home points tally (53) is the highest in the division.
Leeds have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven matches, while Southampton have lost their last three games.
Five of Southampton’s last six fixtures have generated at least three goals.
Prediction
Leeds need a win to have any chance of securing automatic promotion, but they may be denied by fourth-placed Southampton, who look overpriced to avoid defeat at Elland Road.
Even the most optimistic Leeds supporter would probably not expect them to be promoted this weekend.
Second-placed Ipswich need one more point and they could not have asked for a much better final assignment than Huddersfield at Portman Road.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke will impress upon his players the importance of taking care of their own business, but the task of defeating Saints may be far from straightforward.
Southampton are certain to finish in fourth place and they have a few injury concerns, but they will be keen to draw a line under their three-match losing sequence.
Russell Martin will be looking for a reaction from his players and could get a positive performance and result in West Yorkshire.
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