Leeds United: Lee Sharpe takes aim at Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town in no-fear claim | OneFootball

Former Leeds United winger Lee Sharpe insists failure to beat Southampton on Sunday wouldn’t be a disaster for the Whites, as he backed them to be in the mix to go up again next season.

It’s been a memorable campaign for the Yorkshire side, with Daniel Farke’s side picking up 90 points across the 46 games, a tally that would usually guarantee a top two finish.

However, the form of Leicester City and Ipswich Town meant Leeds finished third, with their stuttering run after the March international break proving costly.

Given their history in the play-offs, the fan base had been nervous going into the semi-final against Norwich City, but Farke’s men proved far too good for the Canaries.

After a drab goalless draw at Carrow Road, Leeds hammered Norwich 4-0 at a packed Elland Road to book their place at Wembley, where they will face Southampton.

Despite finishing above Russell Martin’s side over the 46 games, it’s the South Coast side that have the advantage in the head-to-head, as they picked up six points from Leeds in the regular season.

They were 3-1 winners at St. Mary’s back in September, after racing into a three-goal lead inside 35 minutes, whilst they then picked up maximum points on the final day.

So, it promises to be a close encounter between two good sides, and many neutral observers see this as a 50-50 game with little to separate the two teams.

Lee Sharpe makes Leeds United promotion claim

The implications of failing to win promotion are clear for both Southampton and Leeds, as they will be spending another year outside the elite, which brings financial issues.

Therefore, player sales are likely, with Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and potentially Archie Gray among those who could leave Leeds.

Yet, speaking to FLW, via William Hill, ex-England international Sharpe explained that if Leeds do miss out, they should be in good shape to go again, as he cited Farke’s impressive record at this level as a reason for that, along with the lack of quality of the sides dropping down in a veiled dig at Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town.

He said: “Leeds shouldn’t be worried if they miss out on promotion.

“Farke is a top manager, Leeds got 90 points this season, they have a strong home support and can always benefit from this. They have a set of good young players who will go again and give their all next season, if they don’t get promotion.

“Given the three teams didn’t fare too well in the Premier League, Leeds have nothing to fear and with Farke they can go up automatically, if don’t get promoted.”

Leeds United board must look at the bigger picture

No matter what happens on Sunday, it’s sure to prompt major reactions one way or another. If Leeds win, there will be fans who feel they should be replicating what Marcelo Bielsa’s side did, and push for Europe.

Meanwhile, a loss is sure to result in a section of fans calling for Farke to go, as he would’ve failed in his remit of delivering promotion.

But, the board should take a more balanced look, and, as Sharpe says, Leeds are in a good position, and one result against another good team in Southampton, can’t change everything.

If the worst does happen, and they lose, players will need to go, and tough decisions will be made. Ultimately, though, the club are in a strong position overall, and Farke has shown he can get results in the Championship.