Phil Hay: Play-off final preview

The Athletic's Leeds United writer joins us to preview the monumental crunch game against the Saints at Wembley Stadium.
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#LUFC #LeedsUnited

[@Unbelievable-Hard]

Saints rescued 8 points from behind over the season, less than 10% of their total. Leeds rescued 25. All we have to do is put them behind and they will likely crumble

[@kevnorth9812]

That was absolutely brilliant Watson? Grade what?

[@MarchingOnPod]

As bad as Leeds played at St Mary’s we had enough chances at 3-0 down to draw. With a makeshift defence. The game at ER could’ve been anything up to 4-4 tbh, even though it was a damp squib. West Brom could’ve easily won both SF legs if they could finish. Saints will give up chances. Both games played so far Saints have got in front. We know we can at least get back in those games and score. We also know Saints have only gained 10pts from behind this season. Many times when they went behind they’ve got straight back on the bus home. We also know Leeds are the best front running team in the league when we get ahead. Hopefully we can find out in a positive fashion, what happens when we take the lead against Saints. If we take the lead, we know Leeds should win. If we go behind we also know we are capable to get back in it. I don’t know if Southampton think they can win if they go behind. Also, will Russell Martin over think things and make a silly decision? - he’s had a few this season. Will Farke try to match up in midfield or roll the dice on a 4231? Overall it is a very even game to call.

[@markfarnon6742]

I see a tight game with Summerville getting the winner.

[@MixeyG]

From Melbourne Australia thanks for your coverage throughout the season. It has kept me up to date from far far away. I’ll be watching the game at 12am tomorrow Melbourne time. If we take our chances that is all we can ask. MOT

[@kevnorth9812]

Found the internet then…, Far far away?

[@l.james9116]

Love TSB

[@davidfoster7430]

Quietly confident think we win rutter to shine it's his day,come on leeds 🙏

[@bungholio81]

Leeds will win on Penalties, Meslier with some epic penalty saves 💪 Let's gooooo

[@jonathanmonck-mason6715]

Leeds's chance of winning on penalties have been improved by the injury to Bamford. At least we will have five live penalty kickers.

[@DOCTORDROTT]

I think the Welsh gang will be key and Meslier need to be on top form. We need to snuff out Smallbone , he looks dangerous

[@nigelcass8972]

The killer was the 1st play off final ever with Charlton . Think it was at Brum. Lost in extra time . Heard it on radio whilst at Leicester Uni . I cried and suffered PTSD !

[@mauricehamilton1666]

It’s a team that thrive on confidence and after Thursday their confidence tanks will be overflowing Went to Villa in league cup n Watford n Donny, I Think this is the best chance we have ever had I’m confident we’re going to do it!!

[@PellegrinoRiccardi-sx2mc]

I’m calm. On our day we can beat anyone. If we don’t do it this year, then we’ll do a “Bielsa” next year and kill it (with a little wobble aroumd Christmas.

[@michaelevans1260]

Play Piroe at 9. It works. He's never a 10 and Rutter is never a 9

[@benjamindavidscargill5633]

Piroe at 9 has worked once.

[@SJH90_]

​@@benjamindavidscargill5633it worked fine up til he was dropped for Bamford

[@Walka-zp1ni]

​@SJH90_ dropped for bamford and then we went on our unbeaten run...

[@benjamindavidscargill5633]

@@SJH90_ No, it worked in spite of Piroe. Yeah he popped up with the odd goal but otherwise he was anonymous. In the difficult games we were basically a man down. Hence why he got dropped for Bamford... If he plays like he did against Norwich then great, but that was an anomaly this season.

[@kevnorth9812]

I agree. Piroe is ready for this match. Rutter is not ready. Gnonto and Summerville will sizzle…as will James. Leeds Win!

[@benjamindavidscargill5633]

I’m scared

[@hello50881]

Same brother

[@Unbelievable-Hard]

Finals are often won with clean sheets or narrow margins and Saints conceded 50% more than Leeds over the season

[@DeadLifter-rl9en]

@@Unbelievable-HardAnd Martin has got the better of Farke twice, tactically

[@Unbelievable-Hard]

@@DeadLifter-rl9en Tell that to Pep

[@DeadLifter-rl9en]

@@Unbelievable-Hard Haha, it's a close game tomorrow. Can't call it

[@jonathanmonck-mason6715]

Have you noticed that the Yorkshire Post refers to Patrick Bamford as "the 7 million pound man"? Unfortunately he is not bionic.

[@jonathanmonck-mason6715]

I wish all the best to Southampton, and hope they get promoted to the Prem within the next couple of years.

[@I-SelfLordAndMaster]

People need to come to the realization that a high percentage of finals go down to the wire, this could be the case on Sunday. My question is are we prepared? Our players don’t have a good track record of being physically prepared for football over long distances, so is the bench going to be called on? Is Farke going to make substitutions with energetic fringe players that can seamlessly be added so there is no drop off in intensity compared to the starter being replaced? My prediction is James, Joseph and Anthony are going to be the ones who turn this final around but the manager is going to have to have his eyes and ears open because tired players can become a liability very quickly.

[@X-99-X]

Need to score first

[@Thirdfish]

We better not bottle it. MOT.

[@matthewsmith8727]

It’s not the fact I’m worried about Southampton it’s the fact I’m worried us being Leeds. Play to our strengths and we will blow them away score first and we will dominate.. just fucking win please Leeds my flight from vegas has been delayed so I’ll be shitting my self in the sky overthinking the football

[@andrewfournaris6033]

Mot cmon

[@Smiler7]

Whoever loses the play-offs will have a more enjoyable time next season, than being promoted. The 3 promoted sides will be lucky to get 2 wins in a row!! Probably 2 of them will be relegated!! Twas ever thus.😍 MOT!!!

[@sammiiejayde9438]

MOT

[@albertmoss1]

Please god not f*cking penalties.....

[@Thirdfish]

Well Bamford isn't going to be taking any so that's a blessing. 🤣

[@2TNOIR]

Crap games? You guys probably would have thrown yourselves off the Town Hall after Colchester, Sunderland, not to mention the play off loss to the Chelsea dirt bags in the final replay. I am still here alive and kicking and confident of this one. 🤞💙💛🤍