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Welsh derby today in the Premier League, a huge match for these two long time rivals. Both Cardiff and Swansea would love to get one over their sworn enemies, but they would also relish the chance to obtain the three points and put some distance between them and the relegation places. Swansea is currently 3 points clear of the danger zone, Cardiff 1 point.
The welsh team wasn`t expected to do much damage in the Premier League this season. Considered to have the worst squad, along with Crystal Palace, Cardiff was decent so far. They are on 17th place and got some great results, including defeating Manchester City. However, the welsh have been poor recently, their form is declining and they only got 1 point in the last three outings. Additionally, Cardiff won only once in the last 8 matches (all competitions). Cardiff was expected to rely on their home games to get most of their points, but they have won more points on the road until now.
Swansea has had a tough season so far after a great 2012-2013 campaign. The visitors had a nightmare schedule in the beginning of the season, having to play Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham in the first few rounds, while also competing in the Europa League qualifiers. Of course, Swansea couldn`t get too many points from this games and were even on the last place at moments, but as the scheduled opened up, they began winning and moving up the table. Swansea has an excellent team, and their offensive lineup with Bony and Michu is one of the best in the Premier League. They are also very well coached by Laudrup and have a great team chemistry. Swansea lost only once in the last 5 games (all competitions) and they are on the back of a 0-0 home draw with West Ham.
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Team news & lineups
Both sides are close to a clean bill of health. Cardiff still misses new-signing and long-term injured Cornelius, while Swansea will have to do without Davies and Tate.
Cardiff: Marshall – Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor – Kim, Medel, Mutch – Bellamy, Campbell, Whittingham.
Swansea: Vorm – Rangel, Williams, Chico, Taylor – Dyer, De Guzman, Shelvey, Routledge – Michu, Bony.
These two teams both have an attacking mindset, despite not boosting impressive numbers in the goalscoring department. After the first 9 rounds Swansea has a goal difference of 12-11, while Cardiff has 8-13. Good numbers, not excellent, but despite this I expect a high-scoring game here.
Both sides will go at eachother fueled by one of the biggest current rivalries in the Premier League. The need for points will also contribute to an open game, as no side can enter the game thinking of a draw, they are not in a position to do so. Cardiff`s defense is vulnerable when under pressure and Swansea will surely create chances with Michu and Bony up front. On the other hand, the hosts will try to put pressure in an electric atmosphere and they have the quality to put goals past Swansea. Both sides had problems scoring when facing defensive teams, but against attacking opponents they produced high scoring games and that is exactly what I expect to happen today. This game could go either way, though I favor Swansea a little bit, but the bet on goals seems really solid, and Will Hill has great goals for over 2,5. Surely we`ll see an entertaining game, with a fast pace, many counters and goal scoring opportunities. After the first goal, no matter who scores it, it will surely be all out attack at Cardiff City stadium. My pick is Cardiff City – Swansea City 2-2.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.05 @ William Hill
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.40
Event date: 3 November
Editor Facts
- Rostick is 4 for 5 in tips involving Swansea this season
