Jesse Marsch asserts that struggling Leeds will put everything on the line to defeat Cardiff tonight.

The Whites overcame a two-goal deficit earlier this month to force a rematch in their FA Cup third-round match against the Championship team.

And Marsch has assured the Elland Road crowd that his players are up for the battle, despite the fact that he could probably do without the distraction of a cup tournament at a time when his team is only two points above the Premier League relegation zone.

He said: "We're absolutely going out to win the match. We need to go match by match now in the league and the FA Cup.

"It won't be easy but we're at home. For me, we need to get another complete performance, we need conviction, we need a win."

Joel Bagan was given the boot in the 80th minute, and Cardiff concluded the first game with 10 men.

When he was dismissed, the hosts had a 2-1 advantage, but a dramatic late Sonny Perkins goal prevented Marsch's team from making a humiliating early exit.

And the 49-year-old American anticipates a stronger Bluebirds team for this evening's game against the team without a manager.

Jesse Marsch has not always enjoyed himself in the Leeds dugout

He added: "We dug ourselves a hole in that match. But by many standards, in the second half, we were absolutely dominant.

"I think we'll see a stronger side. They played a lot of reserve players [in the first match], so I think we will see more of the team that they played against Wigan at the weekend.

"But I think where we are in this tournament, we can have hope to handle our business."

With Mark Hudson relieved of his duties in the wake of Cardiff's 1-1 draw with the Latics last Sunday, Dean Whitehead has been placed in charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis.

And the former Sunderland and Stoke midfielder is confident his side will cope with the intense atmosphere that awaits in Yorkshire.

Whitehead, 41, said: "The boys are ready. Everybody is fit and we're looking forward to it. It's a good game for us.

"The atmosphere is going to be really good and we've got to put in a performance for our travelling supporters.

"It's an amazing amount of people who are going to come and support us on a Wednesday night away in Leeds. We have to wear the shirt with pride."

🗣️ Interim First Team Manager Dean Whitehead previews tomorrow's #EmiratesFACup match 👇#CityAsOne— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) January 17, 2023

Leeds vs Cardiff kicks off at 7.45pm and viewers can follow the action live on ITV4 and ITVX.

The winners of tonight's clash will face Accrington Stanley or Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth round.