Cardiff City v Leeds Utd Match Thread
13th January@15:00hrs | Cardiff City Stadium
Leeds make the four hour journey to South East Wales on Saturday afternoon, hoping to keep the (2024) 100% win record intact, against play-off Hopefuls Cardiff City.
Leeds don't have the best of records against the Bluebirds, having not beaten them in the league since October 2016, when a Chris Wood spot kick, and some Pablo magic saw Garry Monk's Leeds record a rare victory over what many consider their bogey side.
Since 1984, the two teams have met in the league on 25 occasions, with Leeds recording fifteen defeats, seven draws and only three wins. Eleven points and five places currently separate them.
Following their 4-0 hammering at Hillsborough, Erol Bulut will demand a better performance against the Whites. Joe Ralls and Yakou Meite should be restored to the team though Aaron Ramsey, Callum O'Dowda and Karlan Grant all remain absent through injury.
Leeds welcome back Illan Meslier back to the starting line-up after his three game ban, and with Darlow injured (thumb), Klaesson will at least make the bench.
Bamford's return to form could keep Joel Piroe out the Leeds starting XI, perhaps preferring the veteran to lead the line, and allow Rutter creative licence in a deeper role.
Archie Gray returns to right back (as there is nobody else), allowing the more familiar partnership of Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara to continue to blossom. Pascal Struijk still has a groin strain; Liam Cooper will partner Joe Rodon at centre-back, with fit again Junior Firpo at left back.