Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Finally, it's back—the Welsh derby within the English league. A tournament within a tournament. In the first leg, Swansea City failed to defeat Cardiff City (1:1). Nearly five months have passed since then, yet Swansea City have not managed to distance themselves from the lower end of the table.
Cardiff City
Cardiff City are in a much healthier position now, going four matches unbeaten (one win and three draws), although they have yet to make a significant shift in the Championship's hierarchy. Even the draw against Watford (1:1) on January 14th only lifted the team to 21st place. Previously, a typical match for Cardiff City saw them concede two goals per game, but during this current run, they're conceding no more than one, which at least gives them a chance for a draw.
Swansea City
Swansea City, Cardiff's fierce neighbours, score more than one goal away from home much less often than they do on their own turf—just three times in the last 10 matches. If they manage to do so, they win; if not, there's no victory. Furthermore, their two recent away defeats occurred against teams striving desperately to retain their Championship status, Hull City (1:2) and Portsmouth (0:4).
Cardiff City vs Swansea City Prediction
Thus, there's no reason for Cardiff City to fear Swansea City. If they didn't lose while in worse condition, they shouldn't lose now. We're taking a neutral handicap for the hosts.
