Leeds Utd v Cardiff City Match Thread
Leeds Utd v Cardiff City
Saturday 30th January@15:00 | Elland Road
Leeds will be eager to get back to winning ways on Saturday following the bore draw against Burnley, when the Bluebirds flock to Elland Road. Despite only picking up a point against Scott Parker's team, they move two points clear of Sheffield Utd in second place, who were mauled last weekend by the Tigers.
In the reverse fixture last September, Joel Bagan's challenge on Wilfred Gnonto (when clean through on goal) led to Cardiff playing the last sixty-five minutes with ten men. Goals from Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe saw the Whites record a comfortable 2-0 victory that day. If Farke's men can complete the double, it will be the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Leeds are top of the Championship, 17 places and 29 points ahead of Omer Riza's team, yet Cardiff are unbeaten in seven, and have one of the best forwards in the division with Callum Robinson, who has netted 11 times in just 1400 minutes of game time this season. Cardiff have 14 different goalscorers this season, but have scored 20 less than Leeds who are on 53.
Pascal Struijk has put himself in contention to play on Saturday after returning to full training on Tuesday. The 25yo has missed most of the new years action with a hamstring strain. Given his importance to the team, he will likely start on the bench. Patrick Bamford (hamstring) and Max Wober (knee) will again miss out!
Erol Bulut could name an unchanged starting XI after last weekend's 2-1 victory over Derby County, despite new signing Sivert Mannsverk pushing for a debut in midfield. Anwar El Ghazi, who impressed with a goal from the bench, is vying for a starting spot, potentially challenging Ashford, Robertson, or Willock for a place behind the striker. Injuries continue to sideline Aaron Ramsey, David Turnbull, and Ollie Tanner.
Saturday 30th January@15:00 | Elland Road
Leeds will be eager to get back to winning ways on Saturday following the bore draw against Burnley, when the Bluebirds flock to Elland Road. Despite only picking up a point against Scott Parker's team, they move two points clear of Sheffield Utd in second place, who were mauled last weekend by the Tigers.
In the reverse fixture last September, Joel Bagan's challenge on Wilfred Gnonto (when clean through on goal) led to Cardiff playing the last sixty-five minutes with ten men. Goals from Largie Ramazani and Joel Piroe saw the Whites record a comfortable 2-0 victory that day. If Farke's men can complete the double, it will be the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Leeds are top of the Championship, 17 places and 29 points ahead of Omer Riza's team, yet Cardiff are unbeaten in seven, and have one of the best forwards in the division with Callum Robinson, who has netted 11 times in just 1400 minutes of game time this season. Cardiff have 14 different goalscorers this season, but have scored 20 less than Leeds who are on 53.
Pascal Struijk has put himself in contention to play on Saturday after returning to full training on Tuesday. The 25yo has missed most of the new years action with a hamstring strain. Given his importance to the team, he will likely start on the bench. Patrick Bamford (hamstring) and Max Wober (knee) will again miss out!
Erol Bulut could name an unchanged starting XI after last weekend's 2-1 victory over Derby County, despite new signing Sivert Mannsverk pushing for a debut in midfield. Anwar El Ghazi, who impressed with a goal from the bench, is vying for a starting spot, potentially challenging Ashford, Robertson, or Willock for a place behind the striker. Injuries continue to sideline Aaron Ramsey, David Turnbull, and Ollie Tanner.