LEEDS UNITED probably have bigger fish to fry than the FA Cup as their Premier League survival continues to hang precariously.
And a trip to Wales to face Cradiff City is just about the last thing they want as they contemplate a five-game streak without a win.
However, there are far worse times they could be heading to South Wales, with Cardiff struggling badly themselves and manager Mark Hudson seriously under-pressure.
The Bluebirds are on a bit of a horror run themselves of just one win in their last nine games. In fairness, they have drawn four of those games but goalscoring is becoming a major problem too having failed to score in their last three games against QPR, Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers.
Like Leeds, they are involved in a relegation battle as they try to secure Championship survival.
Leeds were involved in a pulsating and edgy 2-2 draw with West Ham United in midweek that could have gone either way. They lost narrowly to Spurs and Manchester City before frustrating Newcastle United at St James' Park with a goalless draw.
How the bookies view it
Leeds United are odds-on favourites but only just. They are 9/10 to win with Betfred.
Cardiff City can be backed at 13/4 with UniBet and the draw is 11/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The clubs were last in the same league three years ago in the Championship and Cardiff won the last meeting 2-0 in Wales. In fact, Cardiff are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Leeds United.
Players to watch
Cardiff's last goalscorer before their drought was Kion Etete and the 21-year-old striker is 18/5 to net with William Hill on Sunday.
Rodrigo was on target in midweek against West Ham and he has now scored ten goals in 17 games for Leeds this season. He is 13/8 to score at the Cardiff City Stadium with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
Leeds have improved recently after coming through a series of tough games and should have too much for Cardiff, who will surely have other things in their mind.
They could have taken something from both Spurs and Manchester City and although it could be a feisty atmosphere, United should be too strong.
The visitors are a perfectly acceptable price to win, but they could also be worth backing to win to nil – given Cardiff's struggles in front of goal – at 12/5 with Paddy Power.
Leeds have scored at least two goals recently in six of their last eight games against far better opponents and the 5/6 for them to score two or more with bet365 seems acceptable.
This FA Cup match between Cardiff City and Leeds United will be played on Jan 8, 2023 and kick off at 14:30. Check below for our tipsters best Cardiff City vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Kickoff was 14:00 not 14:30