Leeds United will be once again hoping to overcome turmoil off-the-pitch to push themselves higher in the Championship table against Cardiff City.
Manager Neil Redfearn's future is under speculation ahead of their clash against the Bluebirds, whose manager Russell Slade is also under pressure for his side's recent performances.
Leeds are once again embroiled in turmoil as the future of Redfearn is in doubt after his assistant Steve Thompson was suspended by the club last week.
The 49-year-old was reportedly ready to resign after the decision was made without his knowledge, and has yet to confirm that he will remain at the club for next season.
Redfearn's departure would be a huge loss for the White as he has helped stabilise the team in the Championship amid the chaos off-the-field after the suspension of owner Massimo Celino, and the sackings of Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic.
The former midfielder is one of the main reasons why the club are not fighting for their lives at the foot of the table, while he has also brought through a string of young exciting prospect, including Alex Mowatt.
Leeds are comfortably in mid-table as they are 16 points clear of the relegation zone, but are well off competing for a place in the playoffs in the near future, despite the emerging talent in the squad.
Redfearn has built a good outfit, but one that lacks experience as displayed in their 4-3 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out. Their unbeaten run in March came to a grinding halt in their loss against Blackburn Rovers, which was further compounded at Molineux.
However, for the majority of the campaign the Whites' home form has been solid enough 29 of their 52 points at Elland Road, and with three of their remaining matches at home there is hope that Redfearn's men can finish the season strongly.
Conceding seven goals in their last two matches will be of concern to the 49-year-old, but his team have proved they can be resolute at the back as they conceded just two goals in five games in their unbeaten run in March.
Cardiff's 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers put a bit of pressure under Slade as his side have struggled for consistency under his reign.
The Bluebirds sit just one place above Leeds in the table in 13th place as they have been unable to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Slade's team have been marred by inconsistency since his arrival as they have enjoyed decent spells of form, but has then been setback by long runs without picking up a victory.
Cardiff will look back at their run of form in January and February with major regrets as they went on a seven-match without a win in the Championship, which dropped them out of the top half of the table.
Since then, they have been unable to regain their form, which has not been aided by the decision to allow Kenwyne Jones and Matthew Connolly to leave the club on loan deals.
Cardiff are simply treading water until the end of the season which can breed results like their defeat to Bolton as they caved in front of their own fans.
The Bluebirds have to pick up further victories before the end of the campaign to ease the pressure on Slade to ensure that he does not start next season in the crosshairs of chairman Vincent Tan.
Leeds will be without young midfielder Lewis Cook for the clash against the Bluebirds as he is still sidelined with an injury.
Kalvin Phillips could continue alongside fellow youngster Alex Mowatt in the heart of midfield after making his debut against Wolves, while Billy Sharp could push for a return to the starting lineup.
Zan Benedicic and Tommaso Bianchi are ruled out contention due to serious injuries, which could rule them out for the rest of the campaign.
Cardiff are without a host of first-team players for the tip to Elland Road. Alex Revell injured his back against Bolton and is likely to join Federico Macheda, Lee Peltier, Anthony Pilkington and Kagisho Dikgacoi on the sidelines.
Connor McAleny could return to the starting lineup after missing the match against Bolton, while Ben Turner is also line to feature.
Leeds possible starting lineup:
Silvestri, Wotton, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor, Berardi, Murphy, Byram, Mowatt, Phillipd, Antenucci
Cardiff possible starting lineup:
Marshall, Fabio, Manga, Morrison, Malone, Noone, Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Ralls, Doyle, McAleny
Tag :
Championship
