Leeds United will host Cardiff City in an FA Cup third-round replay at Elland Road on Wednesday.
A place in the FA Cup fourth round will be up for grabs when Leeds United take on Cardiff City in the FA Cup third-round replay. The Whites scored in the dying minute to add another game to their already congested fixtures.
Leeds are on a winless run since the World Cup break and are yet to find any rhythm to get momentum. They signed Georginio Rutter this month to end their crisis in the final third. And the new entrant might get a chance to showcase his talent on Wednesday.
Cardiff pulled two goals through Sheyi Ojo and Jaden Philogene and were looking to get away with a deserved victory. But the Whites hit back, and goals from Rodrigo and Sonny Perkins restored the parity.
Their defeat to Aston Villa did not serve their cause well, and Jesse Marsch will be feeling the heat before taking his seat in the dugout. Meanwhile, Cardiff sacked Mark Hudson following a 1-1 draw with Wigan Athletic. And caretaker manager Dean Whitehead will be at the helm when the Bluebirds travel to the Elland Road.
🎙 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗼: “I’ve known him for a while. He’s a guy that is explosive, talented and with a lot of potential. He’s a good person, hard worker and there is a high level of tactical education.” pic.twitter.com/euln0I6hOy
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 17, 2023
Leeds should not really feel comfortable as they cannot really suppress the new manager’s control over his team. Former manager Neil Warnock is the favourite to return to the Cardiff City Stadium, and Whitehead will have a rare chance to impress the management.
Cardiff have played six draws in their last seven matches in all competitions, and they also have a point to prove against Leeds. They are on a six-match unbeaten run against the Premier League side and will have to toil hard to extend that streak.
Team News and Tactics
Leeds United
Leeds United came unscathed from their Premier League defeat to Aston Villa. But they already have a number of long-term absentees. Archie Gray, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas will remain in the treatment room, while Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville will not be ready in time for this clash.
Joel Robles will replace Illan Meslier in the goal. Maximilian Wober will finally get a start in the backline alongside Diego Llorente. Rasmus Kristensen and Junior Firpo will complete the defensive setup.
Sam Greenwood and Mark Roca will likely pair up in the middle of the pitch. Wilfried Gnonto has been an inspiration for Leeds, and he will be stationed on the left flank. Patrick Bamford will be on the opposite side, while Brenden Aaronson should start in the number 10 position. Joe Gelhardt should lead the line for the Whites against Cardiff.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Robles; Kristensen, Wober, Llorente, Firpo; Greenwood, Roca; Bamford, Aaronson , Gnonto; Gelhardt
Cardiff City
For Cardiff City, Mahlon Romeo and Jamilu Collins will be absent. Jak Alnwick will be guarded by a backline of Perry Ng, Cedric Kipre, Curtis Nelson and Callum O’Dowda in a back four.
The midfield duties will be performed by Adam Rinomhota and Ryan Wintle. Former Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo will be stationed on the left, while Jaden Philogene will serve from the right flank. Romaine Sawyers will be the number 10, while Isaak Davies will be leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alnwick; Ng, Kipre, Nelson, O’Dowda; Rinomhota, Wintle; Philogene, Sawyers, Ojo; Davies
Key Stats
- Wednesday evening’s fixture will be the tenth time the two clubs will have competed against one another in the FA Cup.
- Leeds United have failed to win their last seven games across all competitions.
- On the other hand, Cardiff City have lost just one of their last seven games across all competitions.
- Cardiff City have scored at least two goals in their last six games against Leeds United across all competitions.
- Cardiff City are undefeated in ten of their last 11 away matches against Leeds United in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has been a breath of fresh air in Leeds’s otherwise disappointing season. The Italian international has shown his trickery in recent matches, and Jesse Marsch will be betting big on him once again. The youngster will need to rise to the occasion again to take Leeds to the FA Cup fourth round.
Prediction
Leeds United 2-0 Cardiff City
Elland Road has been a comfort zone for Leeds United as they often reserve their best on their home turf. The Whites know a win here can kick their season back on track, and they will definitely fancy a victory here.
But Cardiff City showed the mettle to compete with Leeds United in the original tie. And the Bluebirds will fancy their chances of springing a surprise. In the end, Jesse Marsch’s men should have more than enough quality to reach the FA Cup fourth round.