Cardiff v Leeds. Match preview

Last updated : 17 September 2016 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphpBBC1.tmpCardiff could make a change in goal for the visit of fellow Sky Bet Championship strugglers Leeds, live on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday from 12pm.

The inexperienced Ben Wilson has conceded six goals in successive defeats to Norwich and Preston, and Bluebirds boss Paul Trollope says he "has a decision" on whether to stick with the youngster, with new signings Ben Amos and Brian Murphy waiting in the wings.

Peter Whittingham has been a surprise omission for the last two matches and could return in midfield, but injured duo Joe Bennett and Stuart O'Keefe remain absent.

Trollope is mulling over whether to change his 5-3-2 formation with Cardiff having dropped into the bottom three in midweek and full-back Jazz Richards might be recalled. 

Leeds skipper Liam Bridcutt hopes to shake off a foot injury in time to lead his side and Kemar Roofe is expected to return to contention.

Midfielder Bridcutt was forced out of the midweek win against Blackburn after taking a knock, while forward Roofe missed out due to a calf strain.

Head coach Garry Monk has no other new injury or suspension worries but defender Gaetano Berardi is still working his way back from a hamstring injury.

Striker Chris Wood is pushing for a recall to the starting line-up after scoring on Tuesday night as are centre-half Liam Cooper and midfield pair Alex Mowatt and Kalvin Phillips.

 

Match facts

  • Cardiff have lost only one of their last nine home league games against Leeds (W6 D2), though it was in last season's meeting in March (0-2).
  • Leeds have won their last two league games against Cardiff - they've never won three in a row against them before.
  • The Bluebirds have lost their last three Championship games; they haven't lost four successive Championship games since August 2007.
  • Leeds have only kept one clean sheet in their last 18 league games, however, it did come in their second away game of the season.
  • Anthony Pilkington has scored Cardiff's last three league goals, although they failed to score last time out.
  • Chris Wood has scored three goals in his last five league games for Leeds.