FORMER Portsmouth goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has backed Leeds United to win the Championship playoff final, adding: "Leeds are better than Southampton."

Saints have already beaten Daniel Farke's Whites twice this season, with an aggregate score of 5-2, in regular league fixtures.

Russell Martin's side won 3-1 at St Mary's earlier in the campaign before rounding out the regular season with a 2-1 win at Elland Road earlier this month.

However, Hislop, who made 221 Premier League appearances during his playing days, remains uncertain that Saints can beat Leeds for a third time this year.

READ MORE: 'Absolute star' - Martin insists Smallbone is already a 'top player'

Speaking on ESPN FC, the former Trinidad and Tobago international said: “Leeds pushed Leicester and Ipswich for a lot of this season.

"They just fell away at the end. That was a little bit of a concern for me. But then in the second leg against Norwich, I thought they played wonderfully well and regained their mojo.

"I think Leeds are a better team than Southampton. They will get the job done, but only just.”

Saints face Leeds in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 26. Kick-off is at 3pm.