Leeds boss Farke makes play-off admission ahead of facing Southampton

Leeds sit three points off second-place Ipswich Town heading into the final weekend of the Championship season.

The Whites will have to settle for the playoffs if Ipswich can get at least a point against all but relegated Huddersfield Town.

As for Russell Martin's Saints, fourth place has been secured, but a trip to Leeds could be a preview for the playoff final on May 26.

However possible that may be, Farke remains fully focused on ending the regular season with a win over Southampton.

He said: "We are not thinking about what happens after the last game of the regular season.

"We know we have a small chance to take the automatic promotion spot. As long as there is a small chance, we will go for it.

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"We only have one thought in our head, to get the best possible result to end the season with three points.

"For the playoffs, it's important to finish in the best possible way. I'm not in depression mode, we still have a chance to get into the top two."

Farke is confident his side will produce a strong response after losing 4-0 to QPR last Friday.

"We were all disappointed. It's always the same after a loss," he continued. "When you lose you don't want to even speak about football the next morning.

"But you have to. After speaking and analysing the next game it always works out.

"I can't guarantee you a firework of football or three points because we are playing a really good side.

"Southampton have got big names, they are a really good team. We have to be at our best. They can play with a bit more freedom than us because they have nothing to lose."

Leeds will be without winger Dan James while fellow Welsh international Connor Roberts and Patrick Bamford are also fitness doubts.

Leeds United winger Dan James has been ruled out of facing Southampton (Image: PA)

Farke insisted that Leeds will not take a risk on any player's fitness ahead of a potential playoff campaign. 

"Today was the first day that Connor was involved with parts of the team training. He is not ready for 90 minutes.

"Patrick Bamford is more or less the same. We never take a risk on players for health reasons.

"If you have a player who is not capable of training in the week and you throw them in - you have to earn your spot."