England legend backs Southampton to reach playoff final after 0-0 draw

The two sides played out a goalless contest in the first leg of the Championship playoff semi-final on Sunday.

The first promotion tie, between Norwich City and Leeds United, also finished 0-0 on a baking day of lunchtime sunshine. 

However, Lineker believes the results away from home make third and fourth-place Leeds and Saints the favourites to reach the final. 

Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker asked: "Who is going to go through in the Championship playoffs?

Neither side found a breakthrough at the Hawthorns (Image: PA)

"Whoever scores a goal I think, but I suspect it might be Leeds and Southampton - I thought they were good results for them.

"They were two typically hard-fought games that both ended goalless. Both games were pretty turgid.

"Southampton and West Brom got a little bit lively towards the end but there weren’t many chances and it was all cautious."

Former Saints ace Shearer added: "It was a good result for them, zip zip away at West Brom so I fancy Southampton to get through." 

Saints welcome West Brom to St Mary's on Friday, May 17, knowing a win of any result will send them to the final.

They would then take on the winner of Leeds versus Norwich, played at Elland Road on Thursday, at the end of the month.