SUNDAY will see Saints take on Leeds United for the third time this season - this time, the stakes could not be higher.

The two sides are vying for the last place in next season's Premier League campaign and will hope to achieve their season ambition of an immediate promotion back to the top flight.

Southampton have had joy against Daniel Farke's side this season - they are the only Championship outfit to do the double over them.

Across both games, Saints have won 5-2, which could suggest they hold the psychological advantage heading into Wembley.

But as Russell Martin pointed out, those defeats can serve as added motivation for the Whites, who will be desperate to make up for their previous shortcomings.

It promises to be an interesting tactical battle, not least due to there being just 22 days between their last meeting at Elland Road and Sunday's playoff final.

Will Leeds deploy a more advanced centre-forward? 

In the first leg of their semi-final against Norwich, Leeds struggled to find a breakthrough as the game ended 0-0.

However, in the second leg, Leeds crashed in four goals, three of those coming before half-time, as they breezed through to Wembley with a 4-0 win.

The key change between the two games? Leeds pushed Joel Piroe on as a more advanced forward at Elland Road.

Daily Echo: Leeds United's average positions in first leg (left) and second leg (right). Piroe is number seven. Rutter is number 24.Leeds United's average positions in first leg (left) and second leg (right). Piroe is number seven. Rutter is number 24. (Image: Stats Perform)

In Piroe and Georginio Rutter, Farke has two forwards who like to drop deep to receive the ball.

However, if both do this at the same time, they occupy each other's space and leave their side light up front.

Dutchman Piroe started on the bench in the first leg as Rutter was selected to lead the line. 

In the example below, the French youth international opts to hold his position, as do Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray, rather than run at the Canaries' backline, making it easier for them to cut out the chance.

Daily Echo: None of Leeds' attacking options move towards the goal to receive Willy Gnonto's crossNone of Leeds' attacking options move towards the goal to receive Willy Gnonto's cross (Image: EFL)

In the second leg, Piroe was much better at putting the centre-backs under pressure and making himself an option for a cross.

As seen here, Willy Gnonto receives the ball on the right and spots Piroe demanding that he delivers a cross he can run onto.

Daily Echo: Joel Piroe make a run to receive the cross from Willy GnontoJoel Piroe make a run to receive the cross from Willy Gnonto (Image: EFL)

While the 24 year old has not hit the heights he managed under Martin at Swansea, Piroe is sill ruthless in and around the box - his goal against Saints this month showed that.

With Patrick Bamford ruled out with a knee injury, he appears in a strong position to keep his spot and could sink his former manager on the grandest stage. 

Junior Firpo - A danger and a weakness for Leeds

Leeds left-back Junior Firpo loves to join the attack, often giving his side an extra body in the final third. Against Norwich, the 27 year old had a goal ruled out for a narrow Rutter offside.

That chance came from the Dominican Republic international's high position - as did his assist for Summerville in the second leg.

In the image below, Firpo is the furthest Leeds man forward as Gnonto sees an effort saved while they have five players inside the box.

Daily Echo: Junior Fipro's high position yields Leeds another goal against NorwichJunior Fipro's high position yields Leeds another goal against Norwich (Image: EFL)

He pounces on the ball and cuts back for an easy Crysencio Summerville finish. Southampton's defenders will have to remain alert to his presence.

That could be aided by deploying five defenders once again. In doing so, the right-wing-back and right-centre-back can combine to pick up Firpo and Summerville without leaving them short of numbers.

However, for all of Firpo's attacking ability, Saints can get joy out of him when they look to build down their right-hand side.

Part of the blame for both of Southampton's goals in their 2-1 win at Elland Road earlier this month falls on the former Barcelona man.

For the opening goal, scored by Adam Armstrong, Leeds are caught ball watching as Che Adams delivers a ball across goal to a huddle of Saints bodies.

Daily Echo: Adam Armstrong scores as Leeds are caught watching the ballAdam Armstrong scores as Leeds are caught watching the ball (Image: EFL)

Armstrong holds his wide position, eliminating the seven Leeds defenders with eyes for the ball and crashes in despite Firpo's efforts to block.

Southampton's winner is perhaps the best example of how they can make the most of his weaknesses.

Walker-Peters races onto a brilliant long ball from Jan Bednarek to keep it in just as it looks like crossing the byline.

Firpo was slow to react to Walker-Peters' efforts to reach the ball, and by the time he woke up, the Saints man had shimmied past him and delivered a cross for Will Smallbone to score.

Leeds play with a high-line

Another important point about the Leeds defence is how high up the field they play. The tendency for their full-backs to push on can leave Welsh duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon susceptible to the counterattack.

Given that it is a final, Leeds may be more cautious in a bid to restrict how much their defenders bomb on. Saints have proven they can cause teams problems on the break this season.

Their first goal against West Brom in the semi-final came after an incisive attack while Ryan Manning capped off a quick move by winning a penalty for their third goal.

In Flynn Downes, Jack Stephens, David Brooks and Walker-Peters, Martin has players capable of causing problems by driving with the ball.

Getting players forward quickly to make the most of any numerical advantages will be crucial on the massive Wembley pitch.