Next six games predictions

[North Cardiff Blue]

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...games-26279279

Cardiff City's next six games predicted as future-defining run ends with ultimate test
The next six games could prove crucial in defining Cardiff's season

Cardiff City's bid for Championship survival has enjoyed a tremendous boost over the last seven days or so, with Sabri Lamouchi's men earning back-to-back wins for only the second time this season following Friday night's success over Reading.

There's still a long way to go, of course, and there will likely be several more twists and turns along the way, but the situation certainly feels a little healthier than before.

The next six games could well be crucial in defining Cardiff's hopes of preserving their second-tier status, but what can we really expect?

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Here's a rundown of what lies in wait.

Norwich City (a), Saturday, February 25
A win over the Canaries proved something of a false dawn for Cardiff on the opening day of the season.

Norwich, understandably, were heavily tipped as promotion contenders before their trip to the capital. So for Cardiff to emerge with a 1-0 win felt significant at the time.

Plenty has changed since then, of course. Both sides have new managers in the dugout. Both sides have failed to deliver on pre-season optimism too.

Norwich's form has been patchy since David Wagner was appointed in January, and Cardiff may well take heart from Wigan Athletic's recent hard-earned point with the Canaries.

Nevertheless, Carrow Road remains a daunting task and few will be expecting anything from this one.

Prediction: A narrow Norwich win

Bristol City (h), Saturday, March 4
Cardiff's record in derby matches has been dreadful recently.

Indeed, they've won just once in the last five Severnside derby clashes. They also haven't beaten the Robins at home for five years.

Some may feel quietly confident of changing that record given the green shoots shown in the last week or so, but Nigel Pearson's men are currently unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions.

Seven of those results have been draws, mind, and another stalemate wouldn't be at all surprising here.

Prediction: Score draw

Preston (a), Saturday, March 11
Deepdale has been something of a happy hunting ground for the Bluebirds over the years.

Indeed, Cardiff have won all of their previous three visits to the Lilywhites, who haven't been in the best of form lately.

Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hull City means they've now won just one of their last six league games.

Fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic will head there before City, while Huddersfield Town have already taken three points there.

Cardiff may well fancy their chances.

Prediction: Cardiff win

West Bromwich Albion (h), Wednesday, March 15
Another side that's underperformed this season, the Baggies have enjoyed a big upturn in form under Carlos Corberan.

Albion have won 10 of the 15 league games he's overseen, and despite a couple of recent blips, this will certainly be a big test for Lamouchi's men.

Cardiff don't have a great record against West Brom either, having picked up just one win in the last six meetings.

Could be a tricky night.

Prediction: West Brom win

Rotherham United (a), Saturday, March 18
The last two games have seen Cardiff overtake Rotherham in the race for Championship survival, although the Millers do have the luxury of a game in hand.

It seems likely the two sides will remain within touching distance of one another before the trip to South Yorkshire, meaning this will likely be a game earmarked by the Bluebirds as a potential source for points.

Rotherham are on a rotten run of form, winning just one of their last 12 league games, and despite being an away game, this is the sort of clash Cardiff really need to win if they're to stay up.

Prediction: A precious Cardiff win

Swansea City (h), Saturday, April 1
Cardiff fans will be forgiven for dreading this fixture given their horrific recent South Wales derby record, but there might be cause for some optimism this time around.

It's early days, but Lamouchi has instilled a level of steel and self-belief that's been lacking for much of this season. The togetherness in this squad has been there for all to see too, and that will stand them in good stead when the Swans roll into town.

Swansea City's season already feels like it's starting to drift. A poor January window has taken the wind out of their sails somewhat, and the charge for a top-six finish feels like it's starting to faulter.

This fixture is notoriously difficult to predict, but the discontent in SA1 could well play into Cardiff's hands come derby day. That said, I wouldn't dare stick my neck out either way at this stage.

[North Cardiff Blue]

Norwich away - win
Bristol - Win
Preston - Draw
WBA home - loss
Rotherham away - win
Swansea home - very welcome win

[Des Parrot]

A loss & 5 draws

[Eric the Half a Bee]

4 wins, 3 draws and a defeat