Cardiff v Swansea Preview

Posted on | April 4, 2009 | No Comments

This is another big game of the Championship weekend although this is far more than a South Wales derby. The fact is that both of these sides still have everything to play for as we enter the business end of the season, as Cardiff aim to cement their play off place while Swansea look to make a final push towards the top six.

Cardiff may only be positioned in 6th, but there’s no doubt that the Bluebirds have had a highly successful season. While in past campaigns Dave Jones’ men have struggled to challenge with the top sides, significant investment this year has meant that they’re now a force to be reckoned with and you’d be foolish to bet against them finishing in the top six. Their current position probably doesn’t accurately reflect the situation either, with the Bluebirds playing three games less than some of their rivals. However, they need to make sure they bounce back from their last game which saw fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United trounce them 3-0. Admittedly, Cardiff were reduced to nine men in dubious circumstances, but Jones must make sure that result isn’t a turning point in their season.

As for Swansea, they may have slipped in recent weeks but it’s still been a brilliant season for Roberto Martinez and his men. The Swans are now in 9th, five points away from the top six, but considering the fact they were in League One last season that’s still a fantastic achievement. Martinez maintains that the main aim is still to make the play offs although with just six games remaining, that could be a tall order. If they are to complete a dream season, their form needs to improve though. The Liberty Stadium side are currently suffering from a dip in form after winning just once in their last seven games.

The home side do have a couple of problems coming into this one though, with Gabor Gyepes suspended while Paul Parry is rated as doubtful with a knee problem. However, Dave Jones has plenty of reinforcements, with the obvious choice for Gyepes being the experienced Darren Purse. Swansea on the other hand also have a couple of doubts, as Jason Scotland and Alan Tate face a race against time to prove their fitness. However, Roberto Martinez will give the duo right until the last minute to prove their worth as he aims to mastermind a memorable victory for the Swansea faithful.

We see Cardiff as clear favorites for this one and with Dave Jones not having too many fitness concerns, we’re going to predict the home win. Swansea will battle for everything, but we see Cardiff winning this through a 2-1 score line.

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1. Cardiff v Swansea Preview
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3. Swansea v Bristol City Preview
4. Swansea v Portsmouth Preview
5. Swansea v Nottingham Forest Preview

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