Match Preview | Leeds United vs. City
Cardiff City begin the 2023/24 league campaign with an away fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, August 6th, 2.30pm KO.
Our away ticket allocation for this fixture has been sold out. Thank you for your support, Bluebirds!
This game is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Leeds United’s manager is Daniel Farke, who was appointed in July 2023, following the departure of previous boss Sam Allardyce.
Farke is a familiar face in the second-tier, having had a successful spell at Norwich City between 2017 and 2021.
The German led the Canaries to the Championship title in both 2019 and 2021, with a win percentage of 41.8% over his 208 games in charge of the club.
At 46 years of age, Farke has since managed Russian club Krasnodar, as well as Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, prior to making the move to Elland Road.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SUMMER BUSINESS
Since their relegation from the Premier League, Leeds have seen an exodus of first-team players, with eight departures so far this summer.
Spaniard Rodrigo has joined Al-Rayyan, while Joel Robles and Tyler Roberts have signed for Al-Qadsiah and Birmingham City respectively, the trio departing on permanent deals.
As for loan moves, defender Robin Koch and midfielder Brenden Aaronson have moved to the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Berlin, with Maximilian Wöber also switching to German side Borussia Monchengladbach.
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca has made the move to his native Real Betis, while defender Rasmus Kristensen, who joined the club last summer, has been acquired by Europa League finalists Roma. Midfielder Adam Forshaw has also left the club on a free transfer.
Farke has made three signings since joining the Whites, the first coming in the form of Wales international Ethan Ampadu, who leaves Chelsea after spending four consecutive seasons out on loan.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow has also arrived on a permanent deal, having spent last season on loan at Hull City.
Right-back Sam Byram has returned to the Whites after leaving Norwich City. The defender came through the ranks with the Whites, before representing the first-team between 2012 and 2016.
KEY PLAYER | LUIS SINISTERRA
While a number of talented players have left Elland Road this summer, the Whites keeping winger Sinisterra at the club could be vital for their first season back in the second-tier.
The Colombian international impressed in their pre-season defeat to Manchester United and is fit to potentially feature this weekend.
At 24 years of age, Sinisterra has represented three clubs in his career so far, moving from Colombian side Once Caldas to the Netherlands with Feyenoord in 2018.
After impressing in the Eredivisie, the winger was signed by Leeds for a reported fee of £21 million, going on to net five goals in his first season at the club.
CITY FLASHBACK | PURSE NETS FIRST CITY GOAL
The 2005/06 campaign saw City welcome Leeds United to Ninian Park in the second game of the season.
That summer, the Bluebirds had made the acquisitions of the likes of Darren Purse from West Bromwich Albion, Kevin Cooper of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Jason Koumas, on loan from Wigan Athletic.
In the meeting with the Whites, all three signings proved their worth, as City showed great character to record all three points.
Despite falling behind to Robbie Blake’s finish, who turned home a cross from David Healy, the Bluebirds put in a fine second-half performance.
A shrewd piece of play from Cooper saw him play Koumas in, whose clinical finish sparked a City revival.
With defender Matt Kilgallon handling the ball in the area, the Bluebirds had a penalty, with Purse stepping up and powerfully firing home for his first goal in a City shirt, ensuring the victory for Dave Jones’ side.
