Leeds vs. Cardiff Odds, Predictions & Betting Tips

Leeds welcome Cardiff to Elland Road on Sunday as they look to make a winning start to the season against the side that finished 21st in the league last season. Betting expert Scott Thornton returns from a summer break to crunch the numbers and give us his best data-driven bets for the match. 

Leeds were relegated from the Premier League last season after a series of managerial mishaps. The last time they were in this division, Marcelo Bielsa united the squad and had them playing swashbuckling football as they marched on to the top flight. Things are a little different this time around but there is optimism that Daniel Farke can implement an attractive style of play after the club lost its way near the end of last season.

Cardiff were threatened with relegation last season. Like Leeds, their supporters endured something of a managerial merry-go-round over the course of the last 12 months.  However, things are looking slightly more promising this year. Erol Bulut has been brought in as manager and Aaron Ramsey’s return to the club has caused a great deal of excitement.

The Bluebirds have no real injury concerns ahead of this fixture. They haven’t spent any money in the transfer window but they have made a series of astute acquisitions whether it be on loan or as a free transfer.

Leeds have also been busy in the window. They have lost the likes of Robin Koch and Rodrigo but have strengthened in key areas. Karl Darlow has been signed from Newcastle and Ethan Ampadu has been brought in to add some much-needed steel at the back.

Leeds vs Cardiff Tips

• Over 2 Goals in the Match & Both Teams to Receive a Card @ 21/20 bet365
• Leeds to Win, Both Teams to Score  & Both Teams to Receive 2+ Cards @ 9/2 bet365

Conor Chaplin to score & be carded

Cardiff faced Leeds twice in the FA Cup. The first encounter in Wales finished 2-2, while Leeds ran out comfortable 5-2 victors in the replay. They were both tantalising affairs that highlighted the rivalry between the two sides.

Leeds’ last 20 league matches have seen a glut of goals. They conceded an average of 2.25 goals per game over that period and scored 1.1. They are stepping down a division this season so I expect them to score more and concede less but the stats indicate just how goal-friendly their matches can be.

While not reaching the same levels as their opponent's matches, Cardiff games also see more than their fair share of goals. Their last 20 league matches have seen an average of 2.5 goals per game.

The Bluebirds are massive underdogs for this one but they cannot afford to put in a toothless performance in their opening match against Leeds. Bulut is largely unknown to the large factions of the Cardiff support having only managed in Turkey prior to his arrival. He will be keen to get them on side and a spirited display against a rival would start him off on the right foot so let’s hope his side can contribute to the goal count here.

There is no love lost when it comes to the supporters of these clubs and this often spills over onto the pitch. Both teams have received a card in the last five head-to-heads.

Conor Chaplin to score & be carded

For our longer odds bet, we are backing Leeds to secure all three points in their first game back in the second tier. They are highly fancied to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking and are second favourites to win the league outright.

We are also backing both teams to find the net. This landed comfortably in both of the FA Cup meetings between these sides last. The Leeds defence was lacklustre last season and Daniel Farke hasn’t had much time to combat that issue since taking charge.

Finally, we are backing both teams to receive two cards or more. Over the course of the last five meetings between these sides, Leeds are averaging 2.6 cards while Cardiff average 3 cards per game. Leeds had 2.26 cards per league game in front of their own fans last season. Cardiff had an average of 2.05 cards per game on the road.

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