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“It’s going to be a CHALLENGING game for Leeds this time. We’re aware of their WEAKNESSES and have developed effective STRATEGIES to exploit their defensive midfielders. As I always say, our only goal is to go there and secure a result”- Cardiff City boss thinks he’s found a Leeds United weakness he can exploit at Elland Road
With Cardiff City heading to Elland Road in strong form, Leeds United are fully aware of the challenge posed by Omer Riza’s side as Daniel Farke looks to avoid an unexpected slip in the Championship title race.
Leeds United have been dominant at home this season, winning 12 and losing only once in their 15 league games at Elland Road.
In contrast, Cardiff City have struggled away, winning just once in 14 matches on the road. Consequently, the odds of an upset for the visitors from South Wales are longer than usual. However, Cardiff remain unbeaten in their last eight matches since late December, with notable wins, including an FA Cup victory at Sheffield United and impressive points on the road against Middlesbrough and Watford.
Ahead of the match, Bluebirds boss Omer Riza expressed confidence, noting that Leeds’ strong home crowd could be a double-edged sword, depending on how his side plays.
Riza shared his thoughts: “We’re in good shape, having gone eight games unbeaten. We’ve moved away from the areas we didn’t want to be in, and the players are in a good place. We’ve also added a few new faces. We’re as ready as we can be for this challenge against Leeds.”
He added, “Leeds are one of the best teams in the league, if not the best, so we know it’s going to be tough. But we’ll prepare well, both in and out of possession. Our goal is to remain disciplined and solid, and if Leeds make mistakes, we’ll look to capitalize on that.”
Riza continued, “The crowd at Elland Road can also work against Leeds if things aren’t going well for them. We just need to focus on working hard, as we have been, and aim for a positive result.”
He concluded, “We’re in good form, and while Leeds are a strong team capable of causing problems, beating them would show that we can compete with anyone. That’s the mindset we’ll take into this match.”
Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, have become known for their fast starts, especially at Elland Road, making it one of the toughest places for visiting teams. If Cardiff can score early or hold firm against the hosts until late in the match, it could test the nerves of both the team and the fans.
Leeds have proven their ability to strike quickly this season, having scored ten goals in the first 16 minutes of their home matches, including the fastest goal of the 2024/25 campaign when Manor Solomon found the net just 30 seconds into the match against Norwich City.
However, Farke confirmed that Patrick Bamford and Max Wober will miss the Cardiff game, although Pascal Struijk has been stepping up his recovery and was seen training this week.
