LEEDS UNITED survived an almighty FA Cup scare in Wales and will be confident of finishing the job back at Elland Road as managerless Cardiff City come calling for this third-round replay.
We saw plenty of shocks on third-round weekend and the Bluebirds looked set to claim another scalp when they raced into a 2-0 lead. But Jesse Marsch's side dug deep and a last-gasp leveller from Sonny Perkins salvaged a 2-2 draw.
Leeds followed that up by losing 2-1 at Aston Villa in the Premier League, although Marsch was right to claim their best display of the season merited at least a point.
Slips Tips cashed in by backing over 1.5 Villa goals that night and it's easy to see where the problem lies for Leeds, with just one clean sheet in their last 13 games.
That will give Cardiff hope as they head to Yorkshire but the Championship club are in disarray with manager Mark Hudson sacked over the weekend and Dean Whitehead installed as interim boss.
Hudson only took charge in November but has paid the price for failing to win any of his games. His sacking is still a little harsh, though, given Cardiff have only lost one of their last eight matches, with the rest all drawn.
With the Bluebirds just three points above the Championship drop zone, survival is the priority but knocking Leeds out of the FA Cup would be a welcome boost to morale.
How the bookies view it
Despite coming so close to winning in Wales, Cardiff are rank outsiders for the replay at a best 5/1 to qualify (Skybet) and the odds increase to 9/1 (Bet365) for a win inside 90 minutes. Leeds are just 3/16 at SBK to reach the fourth round and the same firm price them at 4/11 to win without extra time or penalties. The draw at 90 minutes pays 9/2 at LiveScoreBet.
Recent head to head
Cardiff have been a bogey team for Leeds and that draw in Wales made it six games unbeaten for the Bluebirds in this fixture. Four of those matches ended in wins for the Welsh side and Leeds' last win against them came in the Championship back in 2016.
Players to watch
Marsch might be tempted to make some changes with a huge Premier League game at home to Brentford up next at the weekend. Patrick Bamford came off the bench to score at Villa and could get a start here, with the striker 6/5 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Callum O'Dowda also netted at the weekend and it should earn the Irishman a start in the Cup after coming off the bench in the first match. He's 38/5 with SBK for anytime scorer.
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite their poor run of results, Leeds United have been playing pretty well and they should have too much class for Cardiff. Backing Marsch's side to be winning at half-time and full-time pays evens at Ladbrokes while Leeds -1 in the handicap is the same price at Betfair.
The first leg was fiery, with seven yellows and a red, so the ref could be busy in the return as well. Jack Simpson has collected two yellows and a red in his last five outings and the Cardiff defender looks overpriced at 10/3 with Bet365 for another card.
Leeds won 11 corners at Villa Park after racking up nine in Wales so I fancy them at -4 in the handicap here, which pays 20/21 at Bet365.
This FA Cup match between Leeds United and Cardiff City will be played on Jan 18, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Leeds United vs Cardiff City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
