Cardiff City vs Preston
EFL Championship
Saturday
10th February 2024
Cardiff City Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Championship fixture between Cardiff City and Preston.
Cardiff City vs Preston: Preview
Cardiff City form analysis
The Bluebirds had a poor start to 2024, suffering a 0-2 home loss to high-flying Leicester courtesy of goals from Dewsbury-Hall and Justin. However, they responded well by beating QPR 2-1 away from home in their next match. Despite Smyth equalizing for QPR, second half goals from Goutas and Ng sealed the comeback win. Cardiff’s resurgence proved temporary though as they were comfortably beaten 0-3 at home by Leeds in their next game. Bamford, James and Rutter all scored as Leeds dominated.
Cardiff’s struggles continued as they lost 3-1 away to Plymouth, with Ng’s opener proving a consolation after Hardie’s brace and Whittaker’s late strike won it for Plymouth. Most recently though, Cardiff returned to form with an excellent 1-0 away victory against Watford. Bowler scored the only goal as Cardiff held on despite late Watford pressure. Overall, it has been an inconsistent start to 2024 for Cardiff. Flashes of quality like beating QPR and Watford show their potential but heavy defeats against top sides highlight lingering issues. If consistency improves, a midtable finish is achievable.
Preston form analysis
Preston North End started 2024 with back-to-back defeats, first a 0-2 home loss to high-flying Sunderland courtesy of goals from Pritchard and Rusyn. However, they bounced back by beating Bristol City 2-0 at home, thanks to a second half Keane brace. Their resurgence proved temporary though as Leeds United inflicted another home defeat, coming from behind to win 2-1 despite Keane’s early opener after goals from James and Piroe.
Preston stopped the rot with a gritty 1-1 draw away to Millwall. Flemming put the hosts ahead before Potts equalized to earn a point. Most recently though, Preston returned to winning ways with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. Despite letting a 3-0 lead slip late on, Keane’s first half hat-trick proved decisive. Overall, Preston have been inconsistent in 2024 – mixing tight defeats with resilient draws and confident wins. Finding greater consistency is key if they are to make a push for a top half finish. The manager will want to build momentum after beating Ipswich.
Cardiff City vs Preston: Prediction
The average goals per game at this venue in the last six fixtures is less than 2.25. A similar trend was followed in the visitor’s last four away league fixtures. Keeping this in mind I don’t see more than 2.25 goals in this fixture.
The hosts are unlucky to have suffered back to back losses against massive clubs recently at home. I expect them to return to winning ways against the struggling visitors.
