Cardiff City welcomed four new signings into the squad this week. With key forward Pilkington still a big injury doubt, Chamakh could be thrown in from the start. Lambert is a minor doubt but should be okey to play. Hoilett will start as his fitness is ahead of the other signings. Connolly is back from a ban and should start along with Bennett in the back four. Bamba to make the bench too. They changed their manager over the international break, dismissing Paul Trollope after a poor start to the season and hiring Championship veteran Neil Warnock. He is vastly experienced at this level and is known to install confidence among under-performing teams, of which Cardiff are. He’ll demand a performance and will always back his team to win at home.
Bristol City are boosted by the return of key attacker Tomlin from a ban and he will walk straight back into the team. The experienced O’Neil should also earn a recall in midfield for this big local derby as well. Little was an injury concern but is likely to return at right back. Bryan to come in as well. Some unnamed players suffering with knocks and illness, which is a concern to Lee Johnson. Bristol City failed to score in either meeting with local rivals Cardiff last season so they’ll be desperate to win. That being said, a draw would be a good result as well as they’ll be wary of the fact Cardiff are under new management. Bristol City are unbeaten in five, winning their last four, losing once in nine overall. Confidence isn’t an issue for a team who believe they can beat anyone.
Verdict & Prediction
Bristol City enter this game on the back of four straight victories, so confidence couldn’t be any higher. Plus there is the big matter of this being a crucial local derby. It is a game the fans will have been looking forward to for a long time. They’ll be wary of Cardiff being under new management. I expect a low scoring match with Bristol eventually winning the match.
Prediction : Bristol City +0.00 AH
Odds : 1.93 Pinnacle
