United’s fate will be dependent on how Ipswich Town fare in their final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town in the event of the Tractor Boys taking at least a point from Tuesday night’s game in hand at Coventry City. For Leeds, Friday night’s 4-0 crushing at QPR has left Farke’s Whites clinging on to the division’s second automatic promotion spot on goal difference but having played one more game than Ipswich.
But Ipswich’s failure to take all three points at Saturday evening’s hosts Hull City who held Kieran McKenna’s side to a 3-3 draw has at least taken the automatic promotion race to the final day, even if Ipswich win at Coventry. The Tractor Boys face three games in the space of seven days as part of a busy last week whilst Leeds and Saturday’s final day visitors Southampton have six days to prepare for the potentially crucial season finale.
Southampton have been on a dreadful run of late and saw their top two hopes ended on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke City. Russell Martin’s side have had key men out but some have now returned. Leeds also have big players either missing or doubtful and here we run through the injuries from both camps.
7. Juan Larios (out)
Spanish youth international left back Larios has not featured for the Saints since November 2022 due to a series of injuries and fitness issues. Photo: Steve Bardens
8. Patrick Bamford (expected back)
A big one given how much Leeds struggled upfront at QPR. Whites no 9 Bamford was forced to miss Friday night's clash at Loftus Road due to a heavily bruised knee on the back of victory at Boro. Farke revealed post-match at QPR that Bamford had been unable to train on Thursday due to his knee still being swollen, giving him no chance of being involved, but declared: "Probably in two or three days would be ready to go again." Photo: Alex Burstow
9. Ross Stewart (expected back)
Scotland international striker Stewart has played just 17 minutes of football for Southampton since joining the club for £10m from Sunderland last September. The striker joined the Saints with a long-term Achilles concern and then suffered a hamstring injury upon his return back in November. Stewart has been out since but Saints boss Russell Martin revealed at the back end of last week that the plan was for Stewart to return to the bench at Elland Road. Photo: Mark Runnacles