These two sides last met in the Championship, but now their paths cross only in the cup. Cardiff City face a difficult task at Turf Moor.
Cardiff City
Both clubs fell at the second-round stage of last season’s EFL Cup, but the draw has been kinder this time. Cardiff City had it easiest, dispatching bottom-of-League-Two Cheltenham Town (3:0). However, the team themselves are now a League One outfit for the first time in 22 years. Their start has been steady rather than spectacular – one defeat in eight matches and currently sitting fourth in the table.
Burnley
Burnley played a major role in Cardiff City’s relegation from the Championship, thrashing them 5:0 in the second round of last season and sending them into a spiral. Now Burnley are fighting at the other end – just above the Premier League drop zone. They are competing hard, as shown in their 1:1 draw with Nottingham Forest, a side who were chasing Champions League last term. That result was fair given the balance of chances (0.85 vs 1.10 xG).
Burnley vs Cardiff City Prediction
Burnley face a daunting trip to Manchester City in the league at the weekend, but they cannot afford to treat the EFL Cup lightly – it represents their best chance of reaching European competition. With greater quality and home advantage, they should have too much for Cardiff City.
