‘It’s a shame’ – Sky Sports pundit predicts winner in Leeds v Cardiff game
Matt Murray has said “it’s a shame” that there will be no fans today and has predicted that Leeds United will shade a close encounter at the Cardiff City Stadium today.
The Sky Sports pundit said that Cardiff manager Neil Harris would have his players “up for it” but that the break will have suited Leeds.
He said the lack of fans would suit Leeds and bemoaned the lack of a crowd in what is a needle game for the clubs.
Talking on Sunday Sports Breakfast (talkSPORT, Sunday, 8am) Murray also said that Leeds and West Brom would definitely be the teams to go on and secure automatic promotion.
“It’s going to be an entertaining game,” Murray said.
“There are two contrasting styles. Leeds look to play possession football but Cardiff – it’s a shame there are no fans as it’s such a needle game and they go back such a long way.
“I do expect Leeds to win this game. Leeds, they play such a high-intensity game, and people say they run out of gas but they’ve had a break now.
“They will be fresh, right at it, it will be a close game and Neil Harris will have his players up for it, but I think Leeds will shade it.
“Leeds are fantastic, Bamford will be playing for his life.
“As a professional, you can tell… Bielsa has them fit, they know what they’re doing. With Fulham losing yesterday and they’ve got Fulham next, this could nearly enough seal it for them. It’s a massive opportunity for Leeds to put the boot in.”
There have been a lot of pundits talking about Leeds running out of gas last season.
We don’t buy into that theory at all, although if there is any truth in it then it’s been rendered redundant by the break during lockdown.
What we do know is that Leeds have started the last two seasons under Bielsa like a rocket and were simply sensational in the opening game of this season.
Leeds are also on a run of five wins without conceding a goal. Murray said that Leeds were conceding before lockdown so he’s not been doing his research properly ahead of the big game.
The only injury issue for Leeds as far as the starting XI goes is Pablo Hernandez. He’s missing with a slight issue that should see him return to training on Wednesday.
We think Tyler Roberts comes in and provides back-up for Patrick Bamford but that does pose another question – where’s the impact coming from off the bench if Bielsa needs it?
With Jean-Kevin Augustin injured, we think it could be time for Ian Poveda to provide the answer.
In other Leeds United news, ‘I’m sick of this’ – Adrian Durham comes out swinging for Leeds after major controversy emerges