Leeds v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 13 December 2019 By Michael Morris

Cardiff go to Elland Rd on Saturday facing the daunting task of stopping a rampant Leeds Utd from getting an eighth straight win in the League.

If there's any real hope is that actually we have quite a good record there.

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Leeds captain Liam Cooper could return from a calf strain if boss Marcelo Bielsa is satisfied he is 100% ready.

The Championship leaders, above West Brom on goal difference, have won seven games on the spin and are unbeaten in 10 after the midweek victory over Hull.

Cardiff City boss Neil Harris may consider changes after a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Brentford on Wednesday.

Forward Junior Hoilett is a doubt after he limped out of the game midway through the first-half.

Marcelo Bielsa:

“They (Cardiff) have changed their results since the new manager came in and they're not an easy team to face.

"It's a very British team in their way of playing, they really know how to play in their model."

Neil Harris:

"British team is probably identifying the team over the last few seasons - a bit more direct, bit more up and at 'em - which I'm fine with, I like front-foot football.

"I don't think we are quite there as a front-foot team yet because we are still a little bit reactive in what we're doing, but that does take time.

"Marcelo has said British-based team quite a lot about teams in this division, but it's the English Championship."

Match facts:

  • Leeds United have lost their last three league matches against Cardiff, all during Neil Warnock's reign as Bluebirds boss.
  • Cardiff have lost just one of their last 11 away league visits against Leeds (W7 D3 L1), losing 1-0 in November 2015.
  • Leeds United are looking to record eight straight league victories for the first time since September 2009. The Whites haven't won eight consecutive league games within the same campaign since 1931-32 - a season in which they went on to be promoted to the top-flight.
  • Cardiff have won just one of their 11 away league games this season (D5 L5), a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in November.
  • With 46 points from their opening 21 games, this is Leeds' joint-best points tally at this stage of a season in the second tier (also 46 points in 1963-64 - considering 3 pts for a win)
  • No Championship side has scored more 90th minute goals this campaign than Cardiff (4 - level with Sheffield Wednesday).

Match Officials:

Referee: TONY HARRINGTON
Assistants: Geoffrey Russell and Paul Hodskinson
Fourth Official : Geoff Eltringham