Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Leeds United dropped crucial points in the last round against Burnley and now need to make up for the loss. What better opportunity than against an underdog, whose defence is leaking goals?
Cardiff City
The club has also learned to minimise conceding. Only one goal went past Cardiff City against Derby County, even though Derby created chances worth 1.41 xG. The problem for the team is their inability to score: the only goal this season came in the Welsh derby against Swansea City, earning them their only point in the championship so far. Their own low productivity in attack and tightened defence have resulted in three consecutive matches with the total under 2.5.
Leeds United
Scoring against the Yorkshire side is nearly impossible. Portsmouth managed to do so three times (surprisingly), Middlesbrough in the League Cup (a match where they played well), and Burnley once in the last round. Yet, Illan Meslier has kept three clean sheets. His streak was broken at 228 minutes when Luca Koleosho broke away on a counter-attack to beat the goalkeeper. The match against Burnley was the fourth consecutive game with the total under 2.5.
Cardiff City vs Leeds United Prediction
Leeds United are solid at the back, and any team can occasionally face a near one-on-one situation. Cardiff City will also play on the counter, but their players are notably inferior to Burnley's in this regard. We won't go against the trend and will bet on the total under 2.5.
