Cardiff City v Leeds Utd: We owe travelling fans a performance, says Steve Evans

United have not won at Cardiff since February 1984, with nine subsequent visits to the Welsh capital yielding just two draws for them.

Now another tall order awaits with the Bluebirds sitting seventh in the Championship, with only goal difference keeping them out of the play-off places.

Leeds, meanwhile, are 16th, just nine points off the relegation spots, with their most recent away assignment resulting in a tame 4-0 wilting at Brighton, in which United were four goals adrift after 38 minutes.

It is no surprise, therefore, that Cardiff are odds-on favourites this evening, but Leeds enjoyed a welcome tonic with Saturday’s 2-1 win at home to Bolton, and Evans firmly believes his team are capable of defying the odds.

“If you’re not of a Leeds United persuasion then you maybe look at the game and think it’s a home banker,” said Evans.

“Us going to Cardiff and winning might surprise some people, but it wouldn’t shock me.

“We’re good enough to go there and take three points. I’m not ignoring Cardiff’s record and they’re playing very well. But we beat them at Elland Road (in November) and deservedly so in my opinion.

“We’ve got good players here. I know we’ve gone through a tough time, but there are talented players in my squad. It’s about performance.

“If eight or nine of ours are close to the top of their game (tonight), we’ll come away with something. That’s a given. And let’s not kid ourselves – we owe the fans who are travelling a performance and a result.”

Leeds could be boosted tonight by the return of striker Chris Wood, who has missed the club’s last seven games with a hamstring injury, but could make the bench.

Scott Wootton is expected to be back after a foot problem, but Lewis Coyle (ankle) is out.

Last six games: Cardiff DDWLWW, Leeds LDLDLW.

Referee: D Deadman (Cambridgeshire).

Last time: Cardiff 3 Leeds United 1; Championship; November 1, 2014.