Sky Sports host David Prutton predicts result of Leeds United Championship clash v Cardiff City

David Prutton has predicted the result of Saturday's Championship clash between Leeds United and Cardiff City (13 January).

The Whites enter the contest fresh off a comfortable 3-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup third-round on Sunday (7 January) and have the chance to close the gap between themselves and Ipswich in second to four points.

Daniel Farke's men have been in inconsistent form which has hampered their playoff surge in recent weeks, winning two, losing two and drawing once in their last five Championship games and will be seeking a second-consecutive league win at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

And Prutton, sharing his predictions for Sky Sports (10 January) tips the Whites to record a much-needed over their opponents with a "2-1" win.

Weakened

The promotion race is certainly becoming a tight affair again this year, and that little blip of form in December means Leeds desperately need to find their winning mojo once again, because January and February are always tough months to get results.

With just two wins from the last six Championship games the team have allowed rivals to close the gap and there's a case to argue that Farke's men enter this game relatively weaker than their last fixture.

Leeds United have now lost both Djed Spence who was forced out back to his parent club Tottenham Hotspur and Luke Ayling who's joined fellow playoff hopefuls Middlesbrough.

Despite Farke deploying Archie Gray at right back, albiet successfully, Leeds United still have ongoing issues at full-back and that must be addressed this month if they are to pip their rivals to a place in the Premier League next season.

Cardiff aren’t having a bad season by any means either and they know a win over Leeds would hugely boost their own chances of promotion, so Farke's men have no room for complacency or over-confidence whatsoever.

A win in Wales will certainly boost morale again.

In other Leeds news, Ayling replacement eyed as club open to offers for international ace.