Leeds vs Cardiff predictions: Whites need to be patient
- Cardiff were trailing at half-time in only seven of their 23 trips last term
- The Bluebirds have lost 12 of their 21 Championship games in 2023
- Recommended bet: Tie/Leeds Half Time/Full Time
Leeds return to life in the Championship when they host Cardiff at Elland Road on Sunday.
After a turbulent final season in the top flight, they are hoping that new boss Daniel Farke’s experience at this level can guide them straight back up.
Opponents Cardiff are lucky to still be at this level.
They avoided the drop thanks to Reading’s six-point deduction last term and while they have made some summer additions, they are expected to struggle once again.
Team news
The Whites have some significant absentees for their opener, with Stuart Dallas, Tyler Adams, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison all ruled out.
Farke faces a selection crisis in midfield ahead of his first game, which is likely to see new signing Ethan Ampadu pushed further forward for the time being.
For the visitors, Aaron Ramsey is expected to make his first Cardiff appearance in 15 years after rejoining his hometown club this summer.
New signings Yakou Meite and Karlan Grant should also come straight into the side.
The stats
Leeds scored the majority of their Premier League goals after half-time last season.
Cardiff were level at the break in 27 of their 46 Championship games in 2022/23.
The Bluebirds scored only seven second-half goals away from home last term.
The visitors also lost eight of their 12 meetings with the top six.
Cardiff conceded first in 12 away games last season, scoring only two equalising goals.
Across his last two seasons at this level, Farke’s Norwich led just 17 of their 46 home games at half-time.
Prediction
Cardiff had the third-worst record in the Championship last term, but they were rarely embarrassed at this level.
The Bluebirds lost by a single goal in 14 of their 23 defeats, while their torrid run in 2023 still saw them concede just nine goals more than they scored.
Leeds return to the Championship looking to Farke to establish a brand new style.
Having started with Jesse Marsch, they moved on to Javi Gracia and then Sam Allardyce and were all over the place in terms of approach last season.
Farke looks like a good match for the age profile of this Leeds squad.
He also has two Championship titles under his belt from his last two seasons at this level.
He should prove to be a success, but they will need to be patient.
Expect their opener to be a similar story, with Cardiff tending to hold firm in the first half before being outclassed by better opposition.
Leeds could need a half to get back into the swing of things, so look to them to edge this encounter in the second period.
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