Hosts Leeds are unbeaten in all competitions since late November as they sit atop the table going into this latest gameweek. They haven't conceded in four matches and won their last two home league games 3-0 and 2-0 against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City respectively, both better teams than the Cardiff side they will face this weekend. Fans will expect a routine win.
When Omer RIza took over at the Cardiff City Stadium in early December, there wasn't the immediate uptick in form that many had hoped. However, once he started to get his ideas across, things started to improve, and they go into this game unbeaten in 7 league games, having picked up a valuable win over relegation rivals Derby and smashed Swansea 3-0 in the battle for Wales.
Leeds will still be heavy favourites but this Cardiff side is not like the one we saw in 2024. There is a newfound enthusiasm for the Bluebirds and they will believe they can upset the apple cart this weekend.
Leeds United vs Cardiff City Team News
Apart from centre-back Pascal Struijk, Leeds are not missing any key players, and so their formidable squad is at almost full strength for this clash.
Cardiff City legend Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined with an injury, as do Ollie Tanner and David Turnbull.
Leeds United vs Cardiff City Possible Lineups
Daniel Farke has an embarrassment of riches to choose from, but will probably stick with his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 and most of the starting X1 that played in the 0-0 draw against Burnley on Monday.
Leeds United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Byram; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe
Omer Riza also likes to deploy a 4-2-3-1 and should keep most of his settled starters in place, perhaps giving Anwar El Ghazi a chance on the wing in place of Cian Ashford.
Cardiff City Predicted Lineup (4-2-2-1): Alnwick; Rinomhota, Goutas, Daland, Perry Ng; Chambers, Ralls; El Ghazi, Robertson, Willock; Robinson
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Leeds United vs Cardiff City Prediction
The visitors are full of beans right now and should cause Farke's side problems but they are so good at both ends of the pitch, especially at home, that it's difficult to make an argument for a shock Cardiff win here.
Prediction: Leeds United 2 - 1 Cardiff City
When they get going, Leeds are a joy to watch going forward, especially with the likes of Gnonto, Soloman or James on the wings, running at defenders at pace. Cardiff will have to be sharp if they want to get anything out of this game, and either way, it should be a great watch for the neutral.
Unfortunately, Leeds United vs Cardiff City is not available to watch legally on TV or via live streaming in the UK, due to the 3pm blackout.
