Cardiff City play host to Swansea City in the South Wales derby knowing that victory could move them further clear of the Championship relegation zone.

While the Bluebirds currently occupy 21st spot in the standings, Swansea are now in 16th position after ending their poor form before the international break.

Match preview

The Cardiff City hierarchy have taken chances with their managerial choices over the past 18 or so months, failing to find someone who has convinced them to keep patience in the long term.

However, in Sabri Lamouchi, they appear to have a man who is getting the best out of their playing squad, Cardiff having collected 10 points from their last six matches.

With just five points coming from their previous 12 fixtures, it has been a remarkable upturn in fortunes, yet Lamouchi knows that plenty of work remains if Cardiff are to stay as a second-tier club.

The gap to Huddersfield Town, who will now seemingly avoid a points deduction, is just three points, and it heaps the pressure on matches such as the one on Saturday.

While Cardiff have accumulated seven points from their last three home fixtures, a derby showdown with Swansea is usually anything but predictable.

Although Cardiff remain as the favourites to win this fixture, Swansea finally delivered another win before the international break to ease the pressure on Russell Martin.

Swansea had lost five of their previous six matches, four of those losses coming against promotion contenders, and they bounced back by seeing out fellow mid-table side Bristol City by a 2-0 scoreline.

That was their eighth league victory on familiar territory in 19 attempts during 2022-23, and that level of return has been required due to their vulnerability away from their home ground.

Four of their eight defeats on their travels have been posted in succession since February 11, Swansea netting just once during that quartet of outings.

Team News

Lamouchi must decide to start with the same Cardiff side which were winning at Rotherham United before the match was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch.

However, Kion Etete sustained an injury during that fixture and will continue to be assessed, with Sheyi Ojo and Mark Harris both alternatives to the forward.

As for Swansea, Martin could stick with the diamond formation which proved effective against Bristol City last time out.

That would leave a number of wide players among the substitutes, while Oliver Cooper would have to stay patient having made his Wales debut during the international break.

Nevertheless, Joel Latibeaudiere and Jay Fulton are both available after suspension, with the latter expected to return in midfield.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Ng, Kipre, McGuinness; Romeo, Wintle, Sawyers, O'Dowda, Philogene; Kaba, Etete

Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Fisher; Darling, Cabango, Wood, Manning; Grimes; Cundle, Fulton, Ntcham; Piroe, Cullen

We say: Cardiff City 1-1 Swansea City

With Swansea having finally got a win under their belts last time out, it remains to be seen how they will fare in their next fixture. Although Cardiff are the favourites for this contest, we feel that Martin's men may do enough to earn a share of the spoils.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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