AliousThe 2023/24 football season reaches its climax on Sunday, as Leeds United and Southampton clash at Wembley in a high-stakes showdown to determine the winner of the most lucrative prize in world club football today.
For the victors, an estimated £265 million in television deals, sponsorship, and other income streams awaits, along with the prospect of visiting prestigious venues like the Etihad, Emirates, and Old Trafford, a stark contrast to away days at Portsmouth, Derby, and Oxford United.
Leeds have been designated the home England dressing room and allocated 35,796 seats on the East side, while their South Coast opponents will occupy the West with 35,667 seats. The Whites will don their famous all-white kit, inspired by the late, great Don Revie, adding an ominous touch as the game coincides with the 35th anniversary of his passing.
No love is lost between Daniel Farke and Russell Martin, who captained Norwich City during Farke’s early tenure at Carrow Road. The pair’s strained relationship led to Martin’s eight-year stay with the Canaries ending in 2018 when he joined Walsall.
Leeds will remain tight-lipped regarding the fitness of Patrick Bamford, who has missed four games due to a knee injury (minor trauma in his patellar tendon). Joel Piroe, impressive in the second leg against Norwich, is on standby.
Pascal Struijk remains a long-term absentee, while on-loan defender Connor Roberts and fellow international teammate Dan James (bruised ribs vs. Middlesbrough) are working their way back to full fitness, with both featuring for the final 20 minutes in Leeds’ 4-0 win last Thursday.
For Southampton, striker Che Adams, who has netted 18 goals in 27 starts this season, will be available for the Wembley showdown. Fellow forward Adam Armstrong (23 goals and 13 assists) has shaken off an ankle injury and tormented the West Brom defense in their 3-1 victory. Namesake Stuart Armstrong (no relation) misses out due to injury, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon until next year, with former Leeds keeper Alex McCarthy deputizing. Striker Ross Stewart could make his first appearance in over six months after recovering from a troublesome hamstring problem.
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