Richard Keys jumps the gun with Leeds United play-off prediction in the race for promotion

If Leeds United are to keep their promotion dream alive, they must lift themselves out of downward spiral in time for the play-offs. Daniel Farke's side ended the regular league season in disappointing fashion, losing four out of their final six matches to slide out of the automatic promotion places.

Saturday's 2-1 reversal at the hands of Southampton condemned the Whites to a third-placed finish. They now face a two-legged play-off semi-final against Farke's former club Norwich City.

The winners will face either Southampton or West Bromwich Albion at Wembley on May 26, with a place in the Premier League on the line. Keys and Gray view United and Southampton as the favourites to reach the final.

Read more: Daniel Farke rejects Leeds United play-off theory ahead of Norwich City reunion

Reacting live on beIN SPORTS after the final day of the regular league season, Keys said: "Leeds, beaten at home today by Southampton, will go into the play-offs with the Saints. They finished third and fourth respectively.

“They are favourites, I would think, to meet in the play-off final. Perhaps today an indicator of what may happen in that game were it to materialise.”

United will be hoping it is sixth time lucky in the play-offs. They will fancy their chances of making it through to the final, having already defeated the Canaries home and away this season.

Farke quipped: “You know how my record is in the play-offs? I never lost a game – because I’ve never played in the play-offs by the way.

“It doesn’t matter. Leeds have lost in the play-offs before, but it was a completely different group, I was not in charge, so it doesn’t matter. Obviously we are here to change it. That’s the reason why I’m here.”