English Championship: Game Week 29
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
20th February 2024
Cardiff City will welcome Blackburn Rovers at Cardiff City Stadium in Game Week 29 of the English Championship. The teams are sitting very close to the relegation zone and a victory here can help them get away from it. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
Receive Your Welcome Bonus!Cardiff City form
Since around the middle of November, Cardiff's promising season has taken a downturn, with only 16 points earned from 17 matches. The team has lost 11 times, leaving them in mid-table and 11 points behind the top six teams. It seems unlikely that they will be able to get back into playoff contention with just 14 games left, so their main focus is to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. Despite having an eight-point cushion over 22nd-placed Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff is currently one of the worst-performing teams in the league.
After experiencing a collapse in their previous match against Norwich, Bulut is set to make adjustments to the Cardiff XI. Either David Turnbull or Ryan Wintle could be brought back into midfield, while Kion Etete might be chosen over Rubin Colwill in the attack. Ollie Tanner may also return to the team, but Aaron Ramsey's availability is uncertain due to a knock.
Cardiff City Predicted Lineup
Horvath; Romeo, Goutas, Phillips, Collins; Tanner, Siopis, Wintle, Wilson-Ebrand; Etete, Diedhiou
Blackburn Rovers form
The recent 4-1 loss to Norwich City has increased the pressure on manager Erol Bulut, who is now facing uncertainty about his job security. A win against Blackburn would help in securing safety, but Rovers, who are under new management with John Eustace, are also looking to solidify their position in the league. Under Eustace, Blackburn has earned four points in three games but were disappointed to draw against Preston North End after giving up a two-goal lead. However, it was a positive result for a team that had lost their previous six away matches. Eustace remains optimistic about his team's chances against Cardiff, who have not won at home in their last five games.
John Fleck is expected to be absent for Blackburn after being substituted early in the last game, potentially giving Jake Garrett a chance to start. There is a possibility that Ben Chrisene could replace Ryan Hedges at left wing-back, although Eustace may opt against making further changes if the rest of the team is fit.
Blackburn Rovers Predicted Lineup
Pears; Hyam, McFadzean, Wharton; Brittain, Garrett, Tronstad, Chrisene; Dolan, Szmodics; Gallagher
Cardiff City vs Blackburn Rovers Expert Tips
Both teams are in inconsistent form, making any outcome possible in South Wales. While there is a possibility that both sides will strive to avoid defeat, we believe Blackburn may have the edge in the end. With both teams having the potential to surprise each other, we expect over 2.5 goals in the game with both teams being on the scoresheet.