Cardiff City v Leeds United: Big match preview

KEY BATTLE

Peter Whittingham v Lewis Cook: There is a feeling with Whittingham that his best days are behind him but he is still a big part of Cardiff’s plans and teams never fare well on days when the 31-year-old has his way. He has five goals and five assists this season – doing what he does year after year – but United’s midfield gave him nothing at Elland Road in November and Whittingham was replaced on 78 minutes with Cardiff heading for a 1-0 defeat.

CARDIFF KEY MAN

Anthony Pilkington: The midfielder has chipped in with eight important goals this season. His brace last month earned a precious win over Preston; Cardiff never fail to pick up points in matches where Pilkington scores. Add in three assists and the 27-year-old starts to look like an influential presence.

LAST TIME

Saturday, November 1, 2014: Cardiff City 3 Leeds United 1

Goals: Cardiff - Manga 61, Macheda 67, Jones 83. Leeds - Mowatt 77.

PHIL HAY’S VIEW

Phil Hay says: “Cardiff’s tails are up and they’re banging on the door of the play-offs after hanging in through a couple of dodgy spells. Their home form has kept them in the running and only one side – title contenders Hull City – have won in south Wales since the campaign began in August.

City are on a run of one defeat from nine matches and outside the top six on goal difference alone so as fixtures go, this is no easier a prospect for Leeds than Brighton away last week.”

BETTING

Odds: Home win – 19/20, Draw – 5/2, Away win – 15/4.