Cardiff City will host Birmingham City in a Premier League match on Saturday, looking to rebound from their recent defeat at Reading with kickoff at 2:30 pm.
Cardiff City’s supporters were optimistic about a prolonged spell in the top six when they beat Norwich City 1-0 at the start of the season.
However, losing from a winning position at Reading and succumbing to a one-sided 3-0 defeat at the hands of Portsmouth in the EFL Cup has changed their mood. Steve Morison made widespread changes to his team for the latter of those setbacks, but he still would have expected a higher-level performance from players who were allowed to impress.
Cardiff will be eager to get more points from this contest with West Bromwich Albion and a showdown with rival Bristol City in the next two games.
Despite their well-documented issues off the pitch, many expect Birmingham to be contenders for relegation. However, they have upset the odds in their opening two games.
A goalless draw at last season’s playoff semi-finalists Luton Town was followed by a 2-1 victory over finalists Huddersfield Town at St Andrew’s. Blues also came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Norwich in the EFL Cup first round and will now host the Canaries in round two.
Cardiff City vs Birmingham Head to Head
Both sides have 20 games against each other, with hosts taking eight wins while visitors with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Cardiff City 0-3 Portsmouth
- Reading 2-1 Cardiff City
- Cardiff City 1-0 Norwich City
- Swindon Town 2-4 Cardiff City
Away
- Norwich City 2-2 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 2-1 Huddersfield
- Luton Town 0-0 Birmingham City
- Birmingham City 2-2 Rayo Vallecano
Cardiff City Team News
Jaden Philogene-Bidace, on loan from Birmingham’s neighbors Aston Villa, may have to remain among the substitutes. Sheyi Ojo is expected to start on one of the flanks, while Max Watters is fighting for his place down the middle of the attack.
Birmingham City Team News
Eustace is expected to revert to the team from the victory over Huddersfield. However, Birmingham duo Harlee Dean and Gary Gardner will miss out on the visit to Wales through injury. The Cardiff starting lineup is less cut and dried given the manner of their last two defeats, but Perry Ng has served his one-match suspension.
Prediction and Odds
The outcome of this match is uncertain, but we expect Cardiff to win after their poor performance in the midweek League Cup game.
- Home Win
- Correct Score: 2-1
- Both Teams to Score
