It’s probably the fiercest derby game in the Championship, as these two Welsh sides go head-to-head for the second time this season with the first game going in Swansea’s favor following a 1-0 victory. Following results at the weekend both of these sides have slipped down the table and both desperately need points to restart their automatic promotion pushes.
Home side Swansea have a superb incentive ahead of this game, with the knowledge that victory over their fierce rivals will see them head into 2nd place. As it stands, Brendan Rodgers’ men have collected fifty points from their opening twenty nine games and with 2nd place Nottingham Forest holding fifty two, the math speaks for itself. The main factor behind their success has been their unbelievable record at the Liberty Stadium. They have won every fixture there since Christmas, but more importantly they have formed a unit that is seemingly near impossible to break down. They have conceded just the five goals at home and even though Cardiff possess some real attacking talent, even they will find it tough to breach this defense.
Cardiff meanwhile have slipped in recent weeks and while there was a time where the Bluebirds were constantly on the tail of QPR, they are now clinging onto their playoff spot in 6th position. Admittedly, they have played up to two games less than some sides around them, but this has all put exceptional pressure on Dave Jones who knows that his side must avoid defeat unless they want to go five points behind their Welsh rivals. There’s no doubt that Swansea’s home advantage will make them huge favorites for this one, but worryingly for Cardiff they’re away form isn’t too brilliant either. The Bluebirds have drawn one and lost four of their last five games on the road, giving them a huge challenge at the Liberty Stadium. In general, their form in recent months hasn’t been promotion-worthy although if they could secure a win here, the confidence from that victory could quite easily restart their promotion bid.
On the team news front, Swansea have several problems as they approach this fixture with Andrea Orlandi, Garry Monk and Neil Taylor all set to miss out. It’s slightly better news for the visitors meanwhile, although Dave Jones will still be without Stephen McPhail and Seyi Olofinjana who are struggling with hamstring and groin injuries respectively. On a more positive note, new loan signings Aaron Ramsey and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas are both hopeful of starts following their recent moves.
You shouldn’t go with the form when it comes to local derby fixtures, but we think that recent results make the outcome here inevitable. Swansea look almost invincible at the Liberty Stadium and with Cardiff struggling on the road, we’re going to predict a 1-0 victory for Brendan Rodgers’ men here.
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