Cardiff went into the International break on a high after thumping Wolves 4-1 at home in their last match. It was easily the most impressive performance from Malky Mackay’s side thus far this season but there were definite signs that they were close to rediscovering their best form. They started the season with a narrow victory over Huddersfield at home where they relied on a late goal to clinch the spoils. In truth, it was a game that the visitors were the better side but they failed to take their chances and paid the penalty as a result. Sandwiched in between those home successes was a draw and a loss on the road against Brighton and Bristol Rovers respectively. Teams who miss out in the play-off’s can often have a hangover at the beginning of the following season but it’s testament to the consistency that the club have shown in recent years that they are nearly always in and around the promotion picture, season after season. The challenge for Mackay and his players is to go that one step further and gain promotion to England’s top division.
Leeds have been nowhere near as consistent as the they face on Saturday which has proved to be their downfall in recent season. They seem to start the campaign strongly, but ultimately, they are unable to sustain it over the course of the entire season. Neil Warnock – who has earned promotion from the Championship with Sheffield United and QPR – was brought in for that very season, because he’s been the distance and has the capabilities required to instill that much needed discipline in sides. It’s too early to judge whether or not he has managed that at Elland Road as there has been a large turnover of players and the fact he is only just beginning his first full season as boss of Leeds. Their results – and form – thus far have been positive having only tasted defeat once, away to Blackpool. An opening day victory over Wolves and an away win at Peterborough was followed by an entertaining 3-3 draw at home to Blackburn in their last fixture before the break.
Acquiring Craig Bellamy on a permanent basis could prove huge providing they can keep the enigmatic forward fit for most of the season. He could easily hold his own in the top half of the Premier League so his quality and experience will prove invaluable in their quest for promotion. He’s not the only coup that Mackay and the ambitious owners have managed to pull off in terms of brining players to the club. Heidar Helguson, Nicky Maynard and Tommy Smith have all dropped down from the Premier League to join the Bluebirds and together they form a potent front line.
One of the best buys of the Championship this early on has been Leeds’ Rodolph Austin who has been very impressive in the centre of their midfield. Signed from Norwegian side Brann in the Summer, the Jamaican’s combative, box to box style of play has been a real winner with the Elland Road faithful and he looks a very good addition. He epitomises what Warnock sides are all about and it’s no surprise that he’s been a stand-out in the manager’s team already.
Cardiff v Leeds has been a grudge match for a while now and there is very little love lost between both sets of supporters. Leeds have certainly endorsed what Neil Warnock is all about and look as though they have enough about them to challenge for a play-off spot. Cardiff were hitting form just before the International break and they have an array of attacking options. It’s that which I think could just edge what should be a close encounter, in favour of the home side.
Cardiff 11/10 @ Ladbrokes
