And Ling believes the Whites can emerge victorious.
Ling said: "Leeds are the team entering the League One play-offs in the best form and they are my tip to join Swansea and Nottingham Forest in the Championship next season.
"Stick their 15 points back on and Gary McAllister's side would be 11 points superior to Doncaster and Carlisle, who will be smarting after they way their seasons ended. In fact, I'd take Southend to beat Donny in the other semi final.
"I just feel that Leeds and Southend will be in better heart than the other two sides and the semi finals come around very quickly. I'm delighted for Colin Calderwood and Forest. Colin's one of my biggest mates in the game and the flak he's taken over the last couple of seasons would have tested anyone to the limit."