2022-23 FA Cup: Third Round – Cardiff vs Leeds

Cardiff City look to cause a cupset against Leeds United in the Third Round of 2022-23 FA Cup.

Victory would see Cardiff reach the Fourth Round for the second time in four seasons, whilst Leeds are seeking to avoid a sixth consecutive Third Round exit in this competition.

 

Team News

Callum Robinson is a major doubt for Cardiff after missing training due to illness.

Cedric Kipre, Gavin Whyte (both illness) and Kion Etete (hamstring) are also doubtful for selection

Jamilu Collins (knee), Oliver Denham (knock) and Mahlon Romeo (hamstring) remain absent.

Leeds could welcome Patrick Bamford back from a lengthy groin injury if he is declared match-fit by club doctors, having resumed training this week with the first-team squad.

New defensive signing, Max Wober could make his debut after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in midweek.

Luis Sinisterra (foot), Adam Forshaw (hip), Archie Gray (toe) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) are still sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Cardiff will host Leeds at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday 8 January, with kick-off set for 2pm GMT live on ITV.

 

Stat Attack

• Cardiff have won four of eight previous FA Cup ties against Leeds (W4, L4).
• Leeds have won two of three previous FA Cup ties away to Cardiff (W2, L1), although this is their first FA Cup tie at Cardiff City Stadium.
• Cardiff are yet to keep a clean sheet against Leeds in the FA Cup.
• The Bluebirds have won just one of their last six FA Cup meetings against Premier League opposition (W1, D1, L4).
• Leeds have won just one of their last seven away ties in the FA Cup (W1, L6).

 

Prediction

With no wins in their last seven league matches, this match now offers Cardiff a chance to reset and build a cup run and in-turn create momentum to take into their battle for Championship survival, yet they will need to score which looks a tricky ask given their current poor form.

Leeds meanwhile haven’t exactly been in stronger form but do know how to score goals and play a high-intensity attack, which is something that will serve them well if they can bring the same quality as saw against West Ham in midweek.

Both defences though are quite leaky so goals should be guaranteed but Leeds’ firepower feels much stornger, which could be enough because I feel like Cardiff’s priorities lie in the Championship at present despite neither team looking safe in their respective leagues.

Prediction: Cardiff 0-2 Leeds

Result: Cardiff 2-2 Leeds