Former Southampton and Leeds United players predict playoff final

The Championship playoff final is arguably the most lucrative game in football as a seat at the top table of football would give both sides a much-needed injection of money.

Southampton and Leeds were both relegated from the Premier League last season and narrowly missed out on bouncing back automatically.

After Leicester City and Ipswich Town finished ahead of them, they will now have to settle for playoff glory.

However, only one team can return from London with the trophy in tow and a ticket to the Premier League in their back pocket.

This past week of build-up has seen a number of former players and managers from both sides weighing in on who they think will win at Wembley.

Here is a look at some of those predictions...

Retired striker Rickie Lambert knows a thing or two about getting Saints promoted and scoring at Wembley.

Rickie Lambert celebrates Saints' Johnstone's Paint Trophy triumph at Wembley (Image: PA)

He thinks Saints can secure their place in next season's Premier League campaign if they match their performance against West Brom.

Speaking to TalkSport, Lambert said: “It’s a tough game to call, it’s a 50-50 game. I think Leeds have got some unbelievable match-winning players.

"But the way Saints played second-half (against West Brom) - if they play anything like that, then I think they’ll do it.”

READ MORE: Southampton's last Wembley triumph: 2009-10 JPT winners - Where are they now?

Another former Saints forward, Shane Long, agreed with Lambert that it will be a tight affair at Wembley.

Asked if he thinks his former side can win, he said: "Definitely, we did it on the last game of the season.

Shane Long scored 37 Saints goals in 245 games

"We have proven that we can go right up to them. Leeds will probably go in as slight favourites, but who doesn't love to be the underdog."

Sky Sports presenter David Prutton has played for both Leeds and Saints. He does not think Southampton's record against Leeds this season will count for much in the final.

READ MORE: 'Highlight of my Saints career' - Stephens looking to go one step further at Wembley

He said: "The fact that the game (Southampton's 2-1 win) was only a few weeks ago means that there is possibly a slight psychological advantage for them.

"Southampton have got some very good players, not least Adam Armstrong. He has been phenomenal this season. 

"There is so much for Leeds to be very wary of. I've just waxed lyrical about Leeds but I love Southampton fans as well.

"My family is split, my friends are split, they support each. I think Leeds squeeze through on penalties 10-9."

Also speaking on Sky Sports, veteran manager Neil Warnock sat on the fence, saying: "I used to manage Leeds and I've been to St Mary's and seen the Southampton supporters.

Former Leeds boss Neil Warnock and Saints legend Franny Benali (Image: PA)

"I'm going to say a draw, anyone on penalties. There is no way I'm going to commit myself, no way, you won't get me saying that."

Leeds United icon Eddie Gray, who is also the great-uncle of current Whites starlet Archie Gray, has naturally backed his former club.

He claimed: “One big game to go, tough. We’re going into it knowing we’re playing a side that have turned us over.

“But I think that we’ve improved a lot as the season has gone on. I think it will be a tough game, there’s no doubt about it because they’re a good side. There’s no reason why we can’t go and win the game.”