Leeds vs Cardiff (preview)

Cardiff City travel north to Leeds United on Saturday for what should prove a tight contest. City beat Leeds home and away last season with the winner in each case scored by, you guessed it, Jason Koumas. Koumas is no longer a Cardiff player but City have still enjoyed a good sart to the season with 7 points from 3 games.

Leeds and Cardiff have had a slightly fraught relationship since Cardiff beat Leeds in an FA Cup 3rd round tie several years ago when Leeds were at the height of their success – it all went badly wrong after that and the man they blame is no other than Peter Ridsdale, now at Cardiff. Several Cardiff City targets have made their way to Leeds at the last minute: Sean Gregan, Jody Morris and Gylfi Einarsson were all close to signing with CCFC but each chose Leeds instead.

Manager Kevin Blackwell will be without experienced striker Geoff Horsefield, suspended following a red card in the 1-0 loss against Crystal Palace, but with ex-Burnley and Birmingham striker ready to step-in Leeds are not likely to be weakened by this. Other injury worries linger over the squad with Shaun Derry, Eirik Bakke and Steve Stone all uncertain. Dominant centre-back Paul Butler is now ready to return.
Leeds are among the favourites for promotion this year and have a strong line-up including former City ‘keeper Tony Warner on loan at Leeds and in good form so far this season.

Cardiff have their own worries with Kerrea Gilbert probably out following a bruised ankle aggravated in the win over Coventry, and Chris Barker seemingly on his way to Colchester United. Should Gilbert not make it Rhys Weston could fill the right back gap but much more likely is that McNaughton will start at RB with Ledley at LB. Parry and Flood on the wings. Chopra will play having rested a tight hamstring this week and will be looking to add to his City account after his first goal last Saturday.

The trip is a bubble game for supporters and all travellers will need to be on organised coaches with a police escort. Do not travel unless you are on one of these coaches.

Kerrea Gilbert reckons the squad is brimming with confidence and fear no-one, but Leeds away is a tough game in anyone`s book and a point would be a good result for City against a team likely to be fighting with us for play-off position come the end of the season.