Martin Keown makes playoff final prediction amid Leeds United ‘realisation’ claim
Martin Keown has tipped Leeds United to win the Championship playoff final against Southampton on 26 May.
The former Arsenal defender feels the Whites have “realised for themselves that they can” after beating Norwich City 4-0 in the playoff semi-finals.
Despite a dip in form from Daniel Farke’s men towards the end of the campaign, Keown is confident that the Yorkshire club can win at Wembley and secure a Premier League return.
Speaking on talkSPORT (24 May), he said: “I think [Leeds] have now turned up a little bit, their last playoff game against Norwich.
“They have realised for themselves that they can actually, because they have blown up a bit, Leeds, haven’t they, but I think now they are starting to handle it, and I think they will win this game.”
Can Leeds United win the playoff final?
Leeds suffered a dramatic downturn in form towards the end of the season, falling away from the automatic promotions places and finishing third as Leicester City won the Championship title and Ipswich Town took the runners-up spot.
Despite a superb season overall, just one win from their last six league games – losing four times, including on the final day at home against playoff final opponents Southampton – represented an alarming drop in results and consistency.
However, a 4-0 win over Norwich at Elland Road in the second leg of their playoff semi-final – having held the Canaries to a 0-0 draw at Carrow Road in the first leg – has lifted the mood around the club and restored belief in the Whites’ ability to win at Wembley and return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Leeds will hope to ride the crest of the wave of momentum generated by their last victory all the way back to the top flight.
In other Leeds United news, a former Whites winger has sent three-word message to a departing player.
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