Championship Playoff Final Prediction, Tips and Odds

Leeds favoured to beat Southampton in Championship Play-off Final betting odds.

The bookmakers have priced up Leeds as the favourites in the Championship play-off final betting odds, but Southampton are not too far behind in what is expected to be a tight game.

Leeds finished a place and three points ahead of the Saints in the league table, with both sides winning a home semi-final to reach Wembley after drawing the opening game 0-0 on the road.

Both teams are seeking to make an immediate return to the Premier League - having been relegated last term - following Leicester City and Ipswich Town to the promised land.

But where are the best bets and top value in the Championship play-off final betting odds?

Head-to-head Record Favours Outsiders Saints

Leeds might be favourites in the Championship play-off final betting odds ahead of the Wembley date next weekend, but Southampton beat them home and away during the league season.

Indeed, in their home match early in the campaign, Southampton raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time, with star striker Adam Armstrong netting a brace and Will Smallbone also on target.

Armstrong and Smallbone then both scored again when Southampton completed the double over Leeds at Elland Road earlier on this month. 

Last season, in the Premier League, Leeds took four points from their two meetings with Southampton but the more recent history between the two sides has far more relevance.

Odds of 2/1 for Southampton to beat Leeds in 90 minutes look to be very good value in the Championship play-off final betting odds considering the Saints know how to beat the Whites.

If you think it could be a cagy game and maybe not finish in 90 minutes, Southampton are 11/10 to get promoted with Bet365, while Leeds are best priced at 8/11 with most bookies.

Armstrong Returns to Form at Crucial Time

When Armstrong scored against Leeds a few weeks ago he was breaking a lengthy drought, the 27-year-old having not found the net for a month.

But a brace in the semi-final defeat of West Brom at St Mary's suggests that the striker is hitting another hot streak.

Armstrong's haul of 23 goals marks him as one of the most dangerous strikers in English football. He has already opened the scoring on 10 occasions this season.

That includes both matches between Leeds and Southampton, so the price of 6/1 for Armstrong to score the first goal in the Championship play-off final stands out.

Play-off Finals are Normally Tight

Leeds' are in a play-off final for the first time since 2008, when they took on Doncaster Rovers in the League One showpiece. It will be the first play-off final in Southampton's history.

Last season's Championship play-off final saw Luton Town beat Coventry City on penalties. Only once since 2006 has a team won this match by more than one goal. 

Those who want to back Southampton to make it three wins out of three against Leeds this season could also be tempted by their price of 15/4 to win the final by a single goal.

Armstrong to score in a Southampton win in 90 minutes is another good value shot at 4/1.