Southampton

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Former Southampton defender Francis Benali has been discussing Sunday's Championship play-off final against Leeds on the Football Daily 72+ podcast:

"When you look at the league positions, third against fourth, you can have no arguments. It's a game I'm so excited for, I'm so pumped.

"I think it will be a very tough game for Southampton because, although we have beaten them home and away in the league I think a game like this is a complete one-off.

"There may be a little bit of a psychological element from winning those two games through the season but this is something unique and the prize we know is a huge one for both teams.

"It's going to be a game anyone would like to sit and watch. I don't expect it to be anything other than a game of high quality, full of excitement. We could be in for a real classic."

Leeds qualified for the play-off final by thrashing Norwich 4-0 at Elland Road while Southampton saw off West Brom at St Mary's.

Over the full season, Saints scored more goals 87 to 81 but also conceded 20 more than their Wembley opponents (63 to 43).

"I think Leeds have real threat about them - they're dangerous," said Benali. "We saw what they did to Norwich and they can blow teams away.

"Saints will have to be at their best to beat them on Sunday.

"That mindset and ability as a player and manager to handle the occasion is going to have a huge impact on the outcome."

"I think Russell Martin has done an outstanding job. There is a real identity to how they play and it's been so entertaining to watch them. That connection he has with the supporters, the players, the staff - there is a real positive down here on the South Coast.

"Hopefully he will be here for many years."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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On this week's BBC Radio Solent Saints and Sinners podcast Tom Deacon and Adam Blackmore are joined by the medium and psychic Clinton Baptiste and former GB athlete Roger Black to chat about Sunday's play-off final against Leeds:

Black: "The emotional rollercoaster of the last two years - of being bottom of the Premier League and the depression of every weekend, to the journey we have all been on this year in the Championship.

"We had a terrible start and then the sequence of unbeaten games and now we're at Wembley. Of course we would have rather gone up automatically but here we are.

"A lot of people have enjoyed this season. Fans want to see the team win games, but we don't want to stay down too long.

"Of course we want to win on Sunday but we are lucky as Saints fans just to have this experience, that journey up to Wembley and seeing the stadium. I'm really looking forward to it.

"It will be awful if we don't win but we can look back at the experience the club have given us."

Blackmore: "Dealing with the occasion on Sunday for all of us is the key to success, on the pitch and off the pitch.

"You can't deny that having Leeds there will make it a better occasion. It does feel a bigger match being Leeds versus Southampton - two of the relegated sides from the Premier League.

"The win over West Brom was magnificent from the fans and if they can recreate even half of that as the players go near Wembley Way in the coach on Sunday then we will be fine."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Harry Tizard
Fan writer

As much as Southampton's victory over West Brom was a joyous occasion on the pitch, with a nervous first half preceding an emphatic performance in the second 45 minutes, it felt like the match was won off the pitch almost two hours before it started.

Forget the atmosphere for the Saints' 4-0 win over Coventry City in 2012 or the famous victory against Inter Milan in 2016, the beating of the Baggies produced the best noise by far.

Thousands of fans crowded around the entrance to welcome the players to the stadium, with a red sea of shirts and smoke accompanied by a raucous set list of chants.

After a difficult few years and plenty of division in the fanbase, nobody can deny that the current Southampton team has brought the supporters closer to the club.

Saints beat Leeds home and away in the league, but Daniel Farke's men will be a tough test and are probably still the favourites. However, if the fans can repeat the outrageous atmosphere, there is every chance Southampton will gain promotion back to the Premier League.

Harry Tizard can be found at The Saints Score, external

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Southampton boss Russell Martin praised the St Mary's crowd for producing the "best atmosphere" as Saints beat West Brom 3-1 on Friday to book their place in the Championship play-off final.

Will Smallbone and Adam Armstrong scored the goals in a stylish second-half display, setting up a Wembley showpiece against Leeds United.

"I loved it from the very start. It was emotional to get that kind of welcome from the fans," Martin told BBC Radio Solent.

"That was the best atmosphere I've witnessed here and played a big role in the result.

"I'm really pleased for the team. They looked alive and there were some amazing performances. We deserved to win and got better as the game went on.

"I love this group of players. I've got so much pride and gratitude for them."

Southampton face Leeds for a place in the Premier League at 15:00 BST on Sunday, 26 May.

Listen to more on BBC Sounds

Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to sign Southampton forward Che Adams on a free transfer, despite interest from Everton and Leeds United. (Teamtalk), external

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has had his contract discussions put on hold by the Saints amid reported interest from Celtic. (Football Scotland), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Saturday's full gossip column

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Southampton manager Russell Martin said he felt "excited, anxious and scared of what is to come" as his side aim to reach the Championship play off final when they take on West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

"What a game to look forward to. What a game to be involved in at our place. The preparations have gone really, really well and the team’s in a good place, but the team that embraces the feeling they have and deals with that the best will win, I really believe that," said Martin, whose side drew 0-0 in the first leg at The Hawthorns.

When asked about the fitness of striker Che Adams, Martin added: "He is in a good place. He's in a much better place than he was. He's giving everything he can to be fit for the game." The Saints boss was then asked whether Adams would start and he coyly replied: "We'll wait and see."

Martin was keen to stress the importance of the home fans at St Mary's: "They're the most important people at the club. They will be here long beyond any of the players and myself. Tomorrow, they need to help the most important people - the boys on the pitch - and I've got no doubt they will.

"We've had some amazing moments here, some amazing moments this season and the connection between the team and the supporters has grown so much from the start of the season to now.

"It's something that I'm really grateful for and the players are really grateful for and I've got no doubt tomorrow that they will bring a lot of energy and the team has to bring a lot of energy to make sure they give them something to cheer about and really get behind.

"I've said it all season - we need to make them proud of the team on the pitch."

Scotland striker Che Adams, 27, is in talks with Wolves over a free transfer when his Southampton contract expires at the end of the season. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Harry Tizard
Fan writer

Southampton were far from their best in a cagey 0-0 draw away to West Bromwich Albion in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, but the goalless scoreline means that it is all to play for at St Mary's.

The Saints lacked their potent attacking edge, with Che Adams out through injury. The forward has netted 16 Championship goals this season. However, the visitors mostly lacked his ability to hold onto possession and link the play, with Adam Armstrong clearly suffering in his absence. The 27-year-old was quiet due to being put alongside Sekou Mara, who is utterly ineffective up front when starting.

A superb clean sheet for Alex McCarthy and more minutes for Ross Stewart were positives, with the striker getting closer to starting.

Southampton are one game away from Wembley and will be the favourites on Friday. There will be massive pressure, knowing that going out would guarantee lots of Russell Martin's stars leaving in the summer, but the atmosphere should be at its loudest in years.

The first goal will be crucial. The Saints have better players across the pitch, but Carlos Corberan is a master tactician, meaning Southampton cannot allow the Baggies to get ahead.

Harry Tizard can be found at The Saints Score, external

We asked you how you are feeling before Friday's play-off semi-final second leg against West Bromwich Albion.

It is still all to play for, but have your hopes of a play-off final place been boosted following the first-leg goalless draw?

Here are some of your comments:

Dave: If we do not capitalise on our possession and score more than one goal, I have a horrible feeling it will go to penalties and we will lose out.

Richard: We are on a knife's edge. If we go up we have a chance of retaining Downes, Harwood-Bellis, Fraser, Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Walker-Peters who would be vital to survival. If we do not go up, we will probably lose them all and become an average Championship side.

Shaun: We have the beating of the other teams in the play-offs. It's 180 minutes to rediscover the form that saw us break the club record earlier in the season. Big things were expected of Stewart and it would not surprise me to see him play a small but key role in the play-offs.

Anon: First goal is so important on Friday for either team. West Bromwich Albion will push from the off, but if Saints can get a goal inside the first 20 minutes then WBA will have to open it up and go for it. That will give Saints a chance for more goals on the break. That being said, Saints to win 3-1.

Laurie: I'm nowhere near 100% convinced. This playing out from the back strategy has cost them 19 goals by forced errors this season. I also feel that the Saints still lack Premier League quality. This is also assuming that the current players stay.

Seb: It will be a nervy game on Friday but I believe we have the pedigree to pull it off. We know that they have the talent to do it, so the players just need to prove it to themselves.

It is still all to play for - Wembley is within touching distance - as Southampton prepare to go into their play-off semi-final second leg on even terms with West Bromwich Albion.

All that stands in the way of Saints and a spot in the play-off final is an evening under the lights at St Mary's Stadium.

Will Russell Martin's side make it to Wembley? How much of an edge will their home advantage give them? Can Southampton rise to the pressure?

Let us know your thoughts here

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On the latest episode of BBC Radio Solent's Goin' Home with Adam and Jo, Adam Blackmore and former Southampton midfielder Jo Tessem reflect on the goalless first leg of Saints' Championship play-off semi-final against West Bromwich Albion and what to expect in Friday's second leg at St Mary's.

Blackmore: "Everyone in the stands has got to hold their nerves as much as we expect the players to hold their nerves, because they have a massive opportunity. They are in a situation where it is almost in their hands. West Brom's away record is poor.

"I say all that off the back of the fact that I think that was as much as West Brom could throw at Southampton - and Southampton survived it. I think West Brom gave it their best shot on Sunday and Saints didn't play as well as they can. If Saints play as well as they can and find some rhythm in their game at home, they should go on to get to Wembley."

Tessem: "And that's what we want - we want a trip to Wembley and to have a chance to get up to the Premier League again.

"Over two legs, you set yourself up for a much more positive approach if you don't have to chase anything. It's 0-0, you just have to win the game.

"I think West Brom will try to come and nick a 1-0 win, that's what we've got to avoid and that's why we had a lot of messages saying 'get an early goal and settle the nerves'. I think they are absolutely right! We don't want this to go to penalties or anything because that's just jeopardy."

Listen to more reaction to Sunday's match on BBC Sounds

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Russell Martin is hopeful Southampton striker Che Adams will play on Sunday at West Bromwich Albion for the play-off semi-final first leg.

Adams was forced off the pitch in the final game of the season at Leeds United, but Martin told the media it was "more precaution than anything" else.

The 27-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions and scored 18 goals.

"It was more precaution than anything," said Martin. "We have to manage him through this week a little bit and we will still manage him through the next couple of days.

"Hopefully then he will be ready to impact us on the pitch."

Saints have also been given the boost of the return of Ross Stewart, who has been out with a hamstring injury.

Stewart played seven minutes at Elland Road and has had "a great week" in training.

"He looks really good," added Martin. "He is ready to play and impact us more and have more minutes over the next couple of games.

"Whatever the shape, whoever plays, the team needs to look the same as it has done for so much of this season, and go there with the same mentality as we always have."

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BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore believes Southampton have a strong chance in the Championship play-offs, pointing to recent displays as evidence of their prospects.

Southampton travel to face West Brom on Sunday for the first leg of their semi-final and Blackmore told the Saints & Sinners podcast he was not concerned about the tie with the Baggies.

"Having gone to Elland Road [and won], they're not going to go to the Hawthorns and worry," he said. "If they get it right against West Brom - West Brom will struggle to live with them."

Should Saints make it to the final, Blackmore remains confident of securing promotion, regardless of their opponents at Wembley - and feels that Leeds United, who finished above Southampton in third place, are not to be feared.

"I think [Leeds manager] Daniel Farke has too many connections going wrong for him in these play-offs - obviously Norwich," he said of Farke's history of managing the Canaries.

"He chucked [Saints boss] Russell Martin out of Norwich - and I think Martin is going to come back to haunt him, just like he did last week."

Listen to the full episode here

Southampton will be hoping to keep their promotion hopes alive when they travel to The Hawthorns for the first-leg of their play-off semi-final against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, 12 May.

BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore and former Southampton striker Jo Tessem have been previewing the play-off semi-finals on Goin' Home With Adam and Jo, as Russell Martin's side aim to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.

Tessem discussed already doing the double over the Baggies this season and whether that will give Southampton an advantage: "Yes, especially the way we did beat them. We beat them in both games while looking like the better team - like we did against Leeds - so that gives you that confidence.

"I think it's more about Southampton concentrating on what they do best.

"If they can focus on getting it right, with forward playing possession-based football and being cynical at the end of the game.

"If they get all of that right, you can see the positivity it brings on to the pitch. You can see that people are more positive on the pitch. Even [Kamaldeen] Sulemana was down tackling in the box at the end of the Leeds game! That is the thing you need.

"You have to start doing difficult things in a positive way. That will be the turning stone and what we need to concentrate on."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

Harry Tizard
Fan writer

Leeds United were one of the last teams that any side wanted to face this season, but Daniel Farke's men twice failed to collect anything against Southampton when they were at their lowest in the Championship.

The Saints had lost four on the bounce earlier in the campaign when an in-form Leeds outfit came to St Mary's Stadium, but Russell Martin's side cruised to a 3-1 victory which started a club-record run of 25 games unbeaten in all competitions.

Southampton then hit another rocky patch, losing three consecutive games to put them out of the race for automatic promotion and in poor form heading into the play-offs, but silenced Elland Road during their 2-1 triumph.

Leeds looked like they had already resigned to the play-offs, with Ipswich Town only needing a point against Huddersfield Town to go up automatically.

However, Southampton still had to put in a strong performance and showed they can win differently with adjusted tactics and key players returning.

Saints' fans should be confident knowing that their side have collected four wins and two draws against their play-off rivals, but points and places mean nothing now.

West Bromwich Albion will be tough, so don't plan the trip to Wembley just yet.

Harry Tizard can be found at The Saints Score, external

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Southampton finished their season off in style with a 2-1 win over Leeds United, after suffering three consecutive losses going into the final game of the traditional season.

Now a two-legged play-off semi-final against West Bromwich Albion awaits Russell Martin's side, who finished the season in fourth place.

Former Southampton striker Jo Tessem was delighted to see the team put on a "very strong performance" in front of the away supporters: "I'm so pleased for the supporters that came to this game. It's a long way to travel and sometimes these games can end up in nothing and it feels like a waste.

"It was a very strong performance. It was tactically strong and for the mental setting of getting into the right headspace for the play-offs. I felt like we did something right against Leeds.

"We brought it back to where we should be in terms of what we do on the pitch, our mental preparation and getting the team going.

"Also, he [Russell Martin] put players back into the positions where they are the strongest - that is the key point here.

"I don't think the key point was the formation, I think it was the forward play and the positive transformation of the ball going forward. That creative play made the difference."

Tessem was also full of praise for Adam Armstrong, who opened the scoring after just 18 minutes: "How good is he when he plays on the right-hand side? He makes runs in behind and he kind of created that space for himself. I'm glad he scored because he had a good impact on the game in that sense.

"When you play forward, you take off a lot of that pressure which is in front of the back four, so that opens up. When we were playing in possession it was controlled, it was with a purpose, it was never risky and it worked.

"We did the other bits right and when we do that, then it's fine!

"We didn't get that feeling that we were going to make a mistake and they were going to score. We looked like a team that is going to keep a lead and not concede."

Listen to the full Goin Home with Adam and Jo podcast on BBC Sounds