Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Norwich City lead Cardiff City by 12 places and 6 points in the standings, but the visitors don’t quite look like favourites. It seems the Welsh side are ready to take on anyone: their current form over the last five rounds is second only to league leaders Sunderland.
Cardiff City
Indeed, Cardiff City have won three times and drawn twice, garnering 11 points. This is even more than the leading sides Burnley, Leeds United, and Sheffield United (each with 9 points). In the last round, they managed to hold their own against West Bromwich Albion (0:0). Their opponents bombarded Cardiff City (19 shots, 4 on target), but couldn't break through. Earlier in the season, Cardiff probably would have been thrashed by West Bromwich Albion, considering they were in top form and Cardiff were quite disjointed.
Norwich City
Norwich City, meanwhile, continued their seven-match unbeaten run (three wins and four draws), which nearly ended in the last round. By the middle of the second half, Norwich were trailing Middlesbrough at home (1:3) and conceded a penalty, but fortunately for the hosts, George Long saved it, and they then managed to equalise. The crucial goal came after an obvious error by the goalkeeper, who was credited with the own goal.
Cardiff City vs Norwich City Prediction
Norwich City have gone three matches unbeaten away from home and are sixth in the away standings. Cardiff City, however, currently sit only 17th in the home rankings. Does this mean the visitors won't lose? If we look at their recent head-to-head meetings in Wales, Norwich have won two out of three. On Saturday, two notable forces will clash, and we’ll give a slight edge to the hosts due to their excellent recent form.
