Leeds v Cardiff. Match preview

Last updated : 11 April 2015 By Michael Morris

In The City: A look at the past week at Cardiff City. 

Cardiff will face Leeds Utd at Elland Rd without the backing of City's passionate travelling support.

The previous documented actions by Leeds Utd has resulted in a boycott of the match by Cardiff City supporters backed by the club.

Cardiff have been a bogey team for Leeds ever since the 2002 FA Cup tie when the then Premier League leaders were beaten in a fantastic cup tie at Ninian Park.

Leeds defender Giuseppe Bellusci could be back in contention for Saturday's Sky Bet Championship clash with Cardiff at Elland Road.

The Italian centre-half missed Monday's defeat at Wolves due to a calf strain, but teenager Lee Cook remains doubtful due to ankle ligament trouble which has sidelined him for two matches.

Fellow midfielder Rudy Austin sits out the second game of his three-match ban so another teenager, Kalvin Phillips, could start again after making his full debut at Molineux.

Strikers Billy Sharp and Steve Morison are pushing for recalls, while midfielder Granddi Ngoyi may have to wait a little longer for his first appearance as he builds up his match fitness.

Cardiff look set to be without Alex Revell and Federico Macheda once more as they look to do the double over Leeds.

Macheda missed the 3-0 home defeat to Bolton with a back problem but Revell returned, only to aggravate his own back injury five minutes before half-time, and the former Rotherham attacker now looks set to miss out at Elland Road.

Conor McAleny's sore leg saw him also sidelined for that disappointing loss and he will be assessed by the club's medical staff in the build-up to kick-off.

Ben Turner could return to the matchday squad but the game comes too soon for Anthony Pilkington and Kagisho Dikgacoi.

 

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-Head

• Cardiff won the earlier meeting this season 3-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium in November.

• The Bluebirds are unbeaten in the last 16 meetings in all competitions, winning 11. Leeds' last win was 1-0 at Cardiff in the old Division Two in February 1984.

• City are unbeaten in the last seven meetings at Elland Road, winning four. Leeds' last win at home was 1-0 in the old Division Two in September 1983.

Leeds

• Leeds have not won any of their last three games, losing the last two. Their last win was 3-0 at Fulham on 18 March.

• United have won only one of their last four home games. Their only win at Elland Road since mid-February was 2-1 against Ipswich on 4 March.

Cardiff

• Cardiff lost 3-0 against Bolton at home on Monday - their first defeat in five games.

• The Bluebirds are unbeaten in their last six away games, winning three. Their last defeat on the road was 2-1 at Middlesbrough on 20 January.