SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 14 hrs 17 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
CC
Championship
Oct 20, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
ML

1-0

Friend (87' og.)
FT(HT: 0-0)

Preview: Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough

:Headline: Preview: Cardiff City vs. Middlesbrough: ID:253162: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks ahead to the Championship fixture between Cardiff City and Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

Two of the Championship's early pacesetters meet at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening when Cardiff City take on Middlesbrough.

The hosts come into the match three points outside of the playoffs in eighth position, while Boro are second despite a mini slump in form of late.


Cardiff City

It is fair to say that Russell Slade has not won over the vast majority of Cardiff supporters since taking charge and, if reports are to be believed, the club's board are not convinced either.

The Bluebirds finished 11th last season, which was disappointing on their return to the second tier, but they are threatening to improve on that this term under the former Leyton Orient boss.

They have suffered just two league defeats from 11 games so far, although a lack of goals has probably cost them a few extra wins that would see them comfortably in the top six.

A drab goalless draw at struggling Preston North End on Saturday will do little to appease the supporters who are not content, with Slade and his players no doubt seeing that as two points dropped rather than one gained.

Recent form: WLLWDD


Middlesbrough

After winning four games on the bounce to move up into the automatic promotion spots, Middlesbrough's form has tailed off slightly, with a draw and defeat in their last two outings.

Despite that, they remain second in the table but only on goal difference. Reading, Birmingham City and Burnley are all on 21 points with them and are threatening to move ahead.

Aitor Karanka will be disappointed with the performances of late. A below-par display at the Madejski Stadium a fortnight ago allowed Reading to get a 2-0 win and close the gap between the sides, before a goalless draw with Fulham last time out.

David Nugent thought that he had given Boro the lead and what would have been the win, but his strike was disallowed for offside and as a result, Boro missed the opportunity to move two points clear of their nearest rivals whilst allowing Brighton & Hove Albion to extend their lead at the top.

Karanka's men have a solid record away from home so far, winning two, drawing two and losing just one of their six fixtures on the road.

Recent form: WWWWLD
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWLD


Team News

Cardiff midfielder Sammy Ameobi could start again, although Kenwyne Jones is ruled out of this one with injury. Ameobi could therefore provide support for Joe Mason in attack.

David Marshall has regained his position as first-choice goalkeeper, while Lee Peltier could continue ahead of Fabio in defence.

Middlesbrough have no fresh injury concerns, which means that Karanka could name an unchanged side from the one that drew with Fulham. Christian Stuani, though, should start in attack after missing out on the weekend with injury, while Ben Gibson and Diego Fabbrini could also start.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Peltier, Morrison, Connolly, Malone; Pilkington, Whittingham, Dikgacoi, Ralls, Ameobi; Mason

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Konstantopoulos; Kalas, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter; Stuani, Downing, Fabbrini; Nugent


Head To Head

Middlesbrough have had the better of it between the two sides in recent years, winning their last three matches against Cardiff in all competitions.

They did the double over the Welsh side last season courtesy of a 1-0 victory on their last visit to the Cardiff City Stadium, before emerging 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture earlier this year.


We say: Cardiff City 1-1 Middlesbrough

On paper, Middlesbrough have the stronger side but Cardiff are a tough nut to crack on home turf, losing just once so far this season. With both sides struggling for form of late, this one has a score draw written all over it.



amp_article__253162 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-10-20 13:38:59:
html db last update - 2021-03-01 20:49:24 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Read more!
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds38257670284282
2Leicester CityLeicester37264774334182
3Ipswich TownIpswich38249580493181
4Southampton36227773472673
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom381991059362366
6Norwich CityNorwich381871369541561
7Hull City371610115346758
8Coventry CityCoventry3715121059431657
9Preston North EndPreston37168134954-556
10Middlesbrough38166165352154
11Cardiff CityCardiff38165174351-853
12Sunderland38146184845348
13Watford381212145351248
14Bristol City38138174245-347
15Swansea CitySwansea381210164858-1046
16Millwall381110173650-1443
17Blackburn RoversBlackburn38119185164-1342
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth381011175462-841
19Stoke CityStoke38118193553-1841
20Queens Park RangersQPR381010183650-1440
21Birmingham CityBirmingham38109194259-1739
22Huddersfield TownHuddersfield38815154261-1939
23Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds38115223061-3138
24Rotherham UnitedRotherham38311243077-4720
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .