Blackburn vs Cardiff City
Carabao Cup
Round 4
Wednesday
27th September 2023
Ewood Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL League Cup fixture between Blackburn and Cardiff City.
Blackburn vs Cardiff City: Preview
Blackburn form analysis
Rovers continued their League Cup campaign in dominant fashion, hammering Harrogate 8-0 away. Six different players got on the scoresheet in a ruthless attacking display. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 0-3 home loss to Plymouth in the league.
Blackburn bounced back with a 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough thanks to a Szmodics brace. But they came unstuck in a 1-3 home defeat to Sunderland, going ahead through Leonard before conceding three times. Most recently, defensive lapses persisted in a high scoring 3-4 loss away at Ipswich.
Overall, it’s been an up and down start by Blackburn under new boss Jon Dahl Tomasson. They have showcased their attacking threat, netting 13 goals in just 4 games. Szmodics has impressed, while Buckley and Gallagher caught the eye against Harrogate.
However, sloppy defending has cost Blackburn points already. Tomasson has plenty of firepower to work with, but tightening up at the back is crucial to mount a promotion push. If Blackburn can add steel to their defense, the play-offs are a realistic target this term.
Cardiff City form analysis
The Bluebirds continued their League Cup campaign impressively, winning 3-1 away at Birmingham thanks to goals from Colwill, Wintle and Etete. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 2-3 home loss to Ipswich in the league, twice surrendering the lead.
Cardiff returned to form by beating rivals Swansea 2-0 at home, with goals from Tanner and a Ramsey penalty. Their defensive problems resurfaced though in an entertaining 3-2 home win over Coventry, just edging it despite Godden’s brace. Most recently, Cardiff ground out a vital 1-0 away win at Sunderland courtesy of a late McGuinness goal.
Overall, Cardiff have showcased their attacking threat, scoring 11 goals in their 5 games so far. Etete and Ramsey have impressed going forward. However, a tendency to concede cheap goals has cost them at times.
Erol Bulut’s side have played some good football, but tightening up defensively is crucial. If Cardiff can cut out individual errors and concentrate better, their firepower gives them an excellent chance of reaching the play-offs this term. But adding greater solidity at the back is key.
