Russell Martin 'tactically outwitted' Daniel Farke as EFL pundit shares big Leeds United concern

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke after their defeat to Southampton -Credit:PA
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke after their defeat to Southampton -Credit:PA


Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe has expressed his concern over Leeds United's form heading into the Championship play-offs. The Whites will compete in the end-of-season knockout competition after missing out on automatic promotion.

Ipswich Town will join champions Leicester City in the top-flight next season after beating Huddersfield Town on the final weekend of the regular campaign. Victory for the Tractor Boys extinguished United's faint top-two hopes and consigned them to the play-offs. A two-legged semi-final tie with Daniel Farke's former club Norwich City lies in store for the Whites, who have recorded a meagre two wins from the past eight matches since the international break.

Buoyed after a 2-1 win at Elland Road, Southampton will play West Bromwich Albion in the other semi-final. First half goals from Adam Armstrong and Will Smallbone ensured the Saints left West Yorkshire with maximum points.

Read more: Ampadu and Rodon need dragging off Leeds United training ground after frank team meetings

Hinchcliffe, who was on co-commentary duties for Sky yesterday, said: "Southampton deserved the win. Russell Martin got it tactically right.

"Leeds looked short on confidence and are giving away poor goals. Southampton were man for man better. They performed better as a team.

"Can Daniel Farke raise his club, the team and the fans for the play-offs? Southampton go into it in much better heart after this performance."

United will travel to Carrow Road for the first leg on Sunday, May 12. The second is set to take place at Elland Road on Thursday, May 16.

Norwich finished sixth in the table, a whopping 17 points adrift of the Whites.