Leeds United 3/10 lesson they must learn or risk Wembley heartbreak

When it comes to key men in Sunday's play-off final, Leeds United can be confident they have a few matchwinners in their side. After all, Crysencio Summerville is the proud winner of the Championship player of the year award, while players such as Willy Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Ilia Gruev are capable of turning the game on their own.

But Daniel Farke will need no reminding that Southampton have one or two in their own ranks who fall into that category. Only two players have scored more goals in the division than Summerville this season. Sammy Szmodics was well ahead of the field on 27, but Adam Armstrong's 22 goals edged him ahead of Leeds' talisman.

The former Newcastle United and Blackburn forward has been the Saints' main threat all season, and one Leeds should know all about. In both league games this season, he has a been a thorn in the Whites' side, which the left-backs in each will game testify.

READ MORE: Summerville on Leeds United leadership, Walker-Peters and Firpo link

READ MORE: What Daniel Farke really thinks of his Leeds United players

Not only did he score three times against Leeds in two Southampton wins - two at St Mary's and one in the final-day game at Elland Road - but he was a constant menace throughout. He has led the charge not only when it comes to goals, but with 13 assists this season, he has shown he is just as capable of creating chances. Only Ipswich's Leif Davis, Leeds' own Georginio Rutter and Leicester Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have more assists than the 27-year-old this term.

If further proof of Armstrong's threat was needed then look no further than our player ratings from both games against Southampton this season. It was Sam Byram who face him first in the away match at St Mary's, with our man Beren Cross giving him just 3/10 after a difficult afternoon.

"25 Sam Byram: Had arguably been United's player of the month in September for his consistently high level, but looked miles off it in this one. Adam Armstrong had his number all afternoon. Looked shaky throughout. 3"

Byram wasn't alone in scoring low marks that day with Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper also only earning a 3, and Pascal Struijk awarded a lofty 5/10. However, things hadn't changed too much come the end of the season and a match Leeds had to win at Elland Road. Of course it transpired that the result didn't matter in the end, with Ipswich winning, but again Armstrong tormed Leeds' left-back, this time Junior Firpo. Here's what Beren said just a few weeks ago:

"3 Junior Firpo: One of those bad ones he is always capable of. From the start looked miles off it when Adam Armstrong went at him. Gave away acres of space and unforgivably gave up on a ball which was staying in before the second goal. Always looked like the weak point. 3"

The warning signs are there for all to see then. Whether Leeds can do anything about it is another matter. Certainly Farke won't have any different options to turn to, but both Byram and Firpo have had solid seasons for Leeds and will be determined to make amends if given the nod.