* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Well, it hasn’t really gone to plan is it? Cardiff make the short trip west to take on bitter rivals Swansea in the South Wales Derby at midday on Sunday with both at the wrong end of the table.
The hosts are one spot above The Bluebirds heading into this game week with them 19th and 20th before Saturday’s games. Both sets of fans would have been hoping for a promotion push but a relegation battle is looming on the horizon if they’re not careful.
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Alarm bells were ringing at the Liberty Stadium when Steve Cooper walked away over the summer while Cardiff’s appointment of big Mick McCarthy is the managerial equivalent of a cry for help. They both have 11 points from 11 games and must surely improve soon.
And where better to get a season-starting boost than in a local derby? It’s a big chance to get going for both with the flip-side being the potential damage psychologically that defeat could bring. Let’s try and take the local bragging rights with a Bet Builder.
*These selections in a Bet Builder pays at around 40/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Sunday 12pm: Swansea v Cardiff
Sky Sports Football
Swansea to Win
While neither is clearly in good form, Cardiff are in absolute freefall. After going four games undefeated, they’ve since lost six of their next seven, only beating Nottingham Forest in that run.
Swansea have only won one of their last six, but they’ve also only lost once, drawing the other four. With Cardiff in calamitous form and Swansea’s ability to at least mix it with their opponents, I’m leaning heavily towards a Home Win here.
Under 2.5 Goals
Under 2.5 Goals should be an absolute banker here and I even think there’s a really good chance we’ll see Under 1.5 Goals if you’re feeling braver. In these two’s last eight meetings, going back over 11 years, Under 1.5 Goals has landed in six of them or, if you prefer, 75% of the time.
It’s landed in three of Cardiff’s last five and the same number for The Swans over the same timeframe. Given the incredibly-tight nature of these games over the years, it’s well worth going Unders here and to play it safe I’ll take on Under 2.5 Goals.
Joel Piroe to Score First
One man who has been in form is Joel Piroe for Swansea. The Dutch striker already has six goals to his name, double the amount of anyone else in the squad. He’s popped up with some vital ones as well, twice netting the only of the game in precious Swans wins already.
I fancy him to do the same again here. In a game that’s going to be as tight as this should be we need to be on a First Goal Scorer. Of all the options available in Paddy’s markets you’ll find none finer than Joel Piroe to Score First.
Aden Flint to Have 1 or More Shots on Target
All of the most bizarre stats around this game centre on Cardiff defender Aden Flint. The centre back is an absolute menace from set pieces and is The Bluebird’s top scorer on four. He’s had a whopping 23 attempts in 13 games this season, six more than their striker Kieffer Moore in the same number of appearances.
He’s having almost a two shots a game with 57% of those on target. It all boils down to him having around a shot on target per game. At juicy odds it could very well pay to back Aden Flint to Have 1 or More Shots on Target.
Swansea v Cardiff Bet Builder
Swansea to Win
Under 2.5 Goals
Joel Piroe to Score First
Aden Flint to Have 1 or More Shots on Target
*These selections in a Bet Builder pays at around 40/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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