Cardiff City will travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday in what will be the 31st outing in the league for these two sides in the 2016-17 season of the Sky Bet Championship. Garry Monk’s men are currently placed fifth in the league having won two of their last three games, which includes wins against Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers. However, they suffered a loss last time out against fellow play-off contenders Huddersfield Town when they were beaten by 2-1 scoreline away from home.
On the other hand, the Bluebirds are 17th in the league table but the Peacocks must not underestimate them in any manner whatsoever. Leeds United versus Cardiff City has produced memorable encounters more often than not, and one should expect the same this weekend.
While the Yorkshire-based outfit intend to lick their recent wounds, Neil Warnock’s brigade would also aim to get over their disappointing loss to Norwich City. To remain averse to an upset at home and to maintain their stronghold in the top six spots, these are three things which Leeds United must be quite aware of.
The Compact Defence of Cardiff City
Without any shadow of a doubt, Warnock would set his side up for the game with a very defence oriented touch. Monk has always been an advocate of possession-based football, but he could be hit with a punch on his belly by the visiting side if his tactical nous fails to breach Cardiff City’s resilient backline.
It would be futile if having a lion’s share of possession barely generates anything much more substantial than having the ball just for the sake of it and make no mistake, Warnock would love to see Monk’s troops getting frustrated with his stubborn defence.
Relentless Pressing from the Visitors
Leeds United might be a formidable side at home but beyond the mask of silky passes and goal-scoring knack lies their fragility of failing to win loose balls and the inclination to crumble when they are put under pressure.
The former Swansea City boss has garnered a side which loves to pass and no wonder why Cardiff City would have a tendency to press the Whites relentless and force them to commit a mistake, as a result of which they can very well exploit the home side’s defence with their venomous counter-attacking plan.
Leeds United’s Own Demons
Leeds United still have a problem or two at the back, one of which being the lack of concentration from their defenders. Monk’s defenders at the back have been, time and again, left to scratch their heads owing to their inability to deal with crosses and set pieces. Instead of laying emphasis to mark their men, the defenders have been often drawn out by the trajectory of the ball which leaves their positional sense in a haywire. Should they desire to mount a serious challenge to earn a ticket back to the Premier League, they must tighten the screws at the back very soon.
