'I've been there' - Martin plays down importance of pre-playoff momentum

SAINTS boss Russell Martin has played down the importance of pre-playoff form, insisting: "It's not about what has gone on previously."

Southampton have lost their last three games and must visit fellow promotion rivals Leeds United on the last day of the season.

Teams that finished third or fourth are statistically more likely to win at Wembley, with 71 per cent of Championship playoff finals being won by those higher-ranked sides since 2007.

However, Huddersfield (2016-17 winners) are the only team to lose three of their last four regular-season games but still win the playoffs in the last 10 years.

"I'm not sure how relevant it is," Martin explained. "People talk about momentum and all that stuff, honestly, I've been involved in it as a player, it's different.

Russell Martin was promoted to the Premier League via the playoffs with Norwich City (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It's a two-game cup competition and then, to get to Wembley, that's a complete one-off tie.

"Of course, you want to go into the playoffs with a nice feeling but I think ultimately it's about who is the bravest team on the day.

"It's about who has such a clear game plan and will stick to that and has done their work. That's what it will come down to.

"Momentum will not be completely separate, I really believe that teams who finish third or fourth and overcome that disappointment will end up winning it most years."

Eight of the last 10 playoff finals have been won by a side who finished either third or fourth during the regular season.

"When it comes down to that first and second playoff game, it's about who can hold their nerve the best and who can stick to what they've done all season.

"It's about who can handle the occasion. That's not about what's gone on previously, so yeah, it's going to be exciting."