AliousLeeds United and Southampton are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday. Ahead of this crucial clash, we’ve assembled a combined XI featuring the standout performers from both teams.
The encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair, as Leeds finished just three points above Southampton in the Championship table, despite losing both meetings against Russell Martin’s side during the 2023-24 season.
Leeds will be boosted by the availability of Willy Gnonto and Connor Roberts, but Patrick Bamford’s involvement remains uncertain. For Southampton, manager Martin is confident that both Che Adams and Ross Stewart will be fit to play.
Goalkeeper:
While Alex McCarthy, once on loan at Leeds, will be between the sticks for Southampton on Sunday, it is Illan Meslier who claims the spot in our combined XI. Meslier has been exceptional for Leeds, winning the Golden Glove with 19 clean sheets in the regular season and keeping two more in the play-offs against Norwich, outshining Gavin Bazunu’s statistics.
Defence:
Kyle Walker-Peters, who has excelled for Southampton on the right, partners Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a player Leeds tried to sign last summer. Harwood-Bellis has helped Leeds keep 14 clean sheets in 45 games across all competitions, even chipping in with two goals. Joe Rodon, one of Leeds’ standout performers this season, and the in-form Junior Firpo, who has impressed since January, complete the defensive line.
Midfield:
In midfield, the impressive Flynn Downes, hailed as a ‘brilliant’ summer signing for Southampton, earns his place alongside Ethan Ampadu, who has been a leader for Leeds. Despite the availability of talents like Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo for Southampton, and Leeds’ Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev, Ampadu’s consistent performances and captaincy make him a compelling choice.
Attack:
The attacking trio features Georginio Rutter in the no.10 role, with the £30m-rated Championship Player of the Season, Crysencio Summerville, occupying the left wing. While David Brooks and Dan James are top players for Leeds, Willy Gnonto’s recent exploits, including an assist in the 4-0 win over Norwich, cement his position on the right wing, justifying his status as an Italian international.
Leading the line is Adam Armstrong, who has been sensational for Martin’s Southampton. With 23 goals and 13 assists, Armstrong has had a hand in more goals than Summerville, making him the standout choice as the no.9 striker, surpassing the likes of Che Adams and Ross Stewart.
Combined XI: Illan Meslier; Kyle Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo; Flynn Downes, Ethan Ampadu; Willy Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville; Adam Armstrong.
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