Adrian Clarke feels Southampton are a better overall team than Leeds United, but insisted that the Whites have the more dangerous individual match-winners.
With Ipswich’s form on a downturn, Leeds and Southampton have emerged as contenders to finish in the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship this season.
Saints have a one-point lead over Leeds having played a game fewer and Clarke feels that the race for the second spot is going to be a straight shootout between Leeds and Southampton.
He believes Russell Martin’s side are a better overall team than Leeds when it comes to their performance on and off the ball.
However, the former EFL star stressed that Leeds have better and more dangerous individual match-winners who have the ability to turn games with their brilliance.
Clarke said on the What The EFL Podcast: “I was super impressed by Southampton.
“I think when I compare them with Leeds, who I have seen quite a lot of lately, I think Southampton are slightly better with or without the ball than Leeds.
“But Leeds have the more dangerous match-winners in guys like [Crysencio] Summerville and [Georginio] Rutter who can take games away from teams.
“So, it’s going to be some shootout and I think it’s going to be a shootout between them.”
Leeds will host Rotherham United at Elland Road on Saturday while Saints kick off at the same time against Huddersfield at St. Mary’s.
