Cardiffvs.Watford

At a time when the Bluebirds sit in 20th position in the Championship table, Watford are in sixth as they continue to churn out results under Tom Cleverley.

Match preview

The uncertainty at Cardiff had continued into a third month with Omer Riza remaining in interim charge after overseeing as many as 12 matches.

A return of four wins, four draws and four defeats is perhaps better than many anticipated, and that eventually led to the powers-that-be acting on Thursday by handing Riza a contract until the end of the season.

However, Riza's side are currently on a five-match streak without a win, recording just two draws against Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry City during that time.

Although they have been enough to keep Cardiff two points clear of the relegation zone, Riza knows that there cannot be any let-up from his players if he wishes to keep his job in the long term.

Cardiff head into this encounter having lost their most recent two home matches, conceding five goals against Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers respectively.

Another unproven manager taking his chance in a Championship dugout this season is Cleverley, who has transformed Watford into promotion contenders.

Just one defeat has been posted in seven games - that coming away at Swansea City - with the Hornets now on a four-game unbeaten streak.

Eight points have been collected from a quartet of fixtures against Oxford United, Plymouth Argyle, Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers.

Nevertheless, Watford remain with one of the worst away records in the division, collecting just seven points from nine games and conceding 20 goals.

Cardiff City Championship form:

W

L

L

D

L

D

Watford Championship form:

W

L

W

D

W

D

Team News

Riza faces making at least two changes to his Cardiff XI with Manolis Siopis serving a ban and David Turnbull sidelined through injury.

Andy Rinomhota and Ruben Colwill are in line to be recalled as direct replacements in what may prove to be the only alterations.

Ollie Tanner and Chris Willock are options to return in the final third if Riza wishes to make further changes.

Meanwhile, Kwadwo Baah could be brought back into the Watford side at the expense of Edo Kayembe.

Jeremy Ngakia and Festy Ebosele are also in contention at wing-back, but Angelo Ogbonna remains on the sidelines.

Cardiff City possible starting lineup:

Alnwick; Ng, Goutas, Chambers, Collins; Rinomhota, Robertson; Meite, Colwill, O'Dowda; Robinson

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Porteous, Sierralta, Pollock; Ngakia, Sissoko, Louza, Larouci; Baah, Bayo, Chakvetadze

We say: Cardiff City 1-2 Watford

Given Watford's away record, Cardiff will feel that they are the marginal favourites to come through this contest. However, we feel that the Hornets' superior quality will shine through at some stage, earning them a narrow win.

Written by

Darren Plant

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