Monday, 26 October, 19.45
Cardiff City Stadium

A tough match for Bristol City on the tail end of defeat to Brighton 20th October. Brighton came from behind to win from a very late goal from Bobby Zamora.   Zamora’s goal in the 89th minute secured Brighton’s un-beaten start to the Championship with a 2 -1 victory.

Steve Cotterill’s comments “The keeper David Stockdale had the biggest impact for Brighton and that says a lot about our team. Some of our football was every bit as good as Brighton’s.” True words said from Cotterrill considering city had a very good claim for a penalty waived away early on in the second half.  Bristol City defender Derrick Williams had a clear view of an incident between Luke Freeman for The Robin’s and Uwe Heunemeier for The Seagulls.  According to Williams the incident that happened inside the 18 yard box cost Bristol the match.  Williams reported (in the Bristolpost) as saying  “I was totally surprised when he did what he did and gave it the other way. It was a clear penalty.”

All things considered it was a convincing performance by Bristol City, so, what to expect when they meet Cardiff City away on Monday?

Cardiff are currently 8th in the Championship and are following a 1 – 0 win at home against Middlesbrough.  Compare this to Bristol City’s 21st standing in the league and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this match will be one way.  But…. Cardiff’s first victory in 3 games was gifted to them by Middlesbrough defender George Friend.  Record low attendance was recorded for the match of 13371, that was the second win in six.  Surely not to be repeated against old rivals Bristol City.

All to play for then.  Cardiff will be wanting to consolidate and improve their position in the league and Bristol will be looking to put more ground between them and the relegation zone.

Cardiff Manager Russell Slade may still have concerns over Kenwyne Jones’ fitness after suffering a shin injury playing international football for Trinidad and Tobago.  Surely a sore point considering the number of matches missed or affected by the strikers international duty.  Made worse by the fact that rejected striker, Javi Guerra, sent to Rayo Vallecano on season long loan, put Rayo in front against Barcelona in La Liga at the Nou Camp.

Best odds

Since 1915 Bristol have won 29 matches against Cardiff, Drawn 22, and Lost 36.  With Cotterrill lamenting missed opportunities against Brighton and Slade concerned over injury it is prediction time.  Check the best odds with our partners Betfair.