Sheffield United - Cardiff City

After they made an encouraging start to this campaign, Sheffield United's results have come up short in recent weeks and Blades find themselves on 13th place. They noticed last win in steel-city derby (3-2) more than a month ago. Since then, two home draws (Ipswich 3-3, stoppage time equalizer and Doncaster 1-1) and three away defeats (Swansea 1-2, Scunthorpe 1-3 and Blackpool 0-3). Main reason for this sinking is recent injury crisis, ten regular players are sidelined and Blades currently can not resist against any opponent in second tier. Also, fact they have 13 new players comparing with previous season shouldn’t be forgotten. To make the things even worse, took care the only forward Darius Henderson who got a knock and he’s doubtful for the game. Club have signed free-agent striker, Henri Camara, he will probably start the match, but his fitness isn’t on proper level and the question is how much he can really help. While they’ll have a lots of problems to score against tough side as Cardiff surely is, defense line looks extremely shaky conceding six goals in last two encounters. Considering their current situation, I’m absolutely sure they would accept one point today.

The Blue Birds hold the third place on the table with just a point less than league leaders WBA. After the good start of the season, club fell in injury crisis and noticed five competitive defeats in six games! When injury list started to decrease, results became brighter. Cardiff have three wins (Derby 6-1, Watford 4-0 and Coventry 2-0) and a draw (Crystal Palace 1-1) in last four games. But, the most important thing is manager Dave Jones should have a strong squad to choose from, with a lot of his players now available again. His “key of the keys” Ross McCormack is fully fit and ready, defender Kevin McNaughton, midfielder Mark Kennedy and striker Warren Feeney are also available. Only missing player is midfielder Kelvin Etuhu who could be fit and back in training after the next international break. Excellent striker Michael Chopra is the leading scorer in the division with 11 goals, and United face another goal threat in midfielder Pete Whittingham, who has scored six times in the Welsh side's last five matches. Win at Bramall Lane would boost team confidence and maybe launch them on the top. 

I don't agree with the bookies that favor the home side and see the value here. Even if United don’t have injury problems (injury catastrophe sounds more appropriate), Cardiff would be at least equal. Instead more reasons for away win, I'll say few words about my concerns here. It’s a derby clash which usually means very nervous game. Cardiff have three players sent off so far, which is the most by any club. Many recovered players at visitors’ side could make a damage to the team balance that have noticed good run even without them. Also, home ground and the fact the both sides wouldn’t be unhappy with undecided outcome force me to cover a draw instead going on clear away win. Dnb is arround 2.20, even +0.25 on Cardiff is well paid.

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Plymouth Argyle - Cardiff City

Despite two more than decent displays, Plymouth remain as one of the serious contenders to relegate. The team haven’t been seriously upgraded and just because the fighting spirit and slight touch of luck, they have two points on the balance. At the first round, they surprised Crystal Palace on the road, taking the lead in the first half and defending the rest of the game, grabbing a point (1-1) at the end. In the previous round, oppositely, they were chasing the result after the half-time. The Pilgrims attacked favorited QPR and got another point in the last minute of the game, by own-goal visitors’ defender Kasparss Gorks! But it is obvious, they lack in quality and boss Paul Sturrock will have a difficult task to keep the club in second tier. Few days ago, club signed Alan Gow from Rangers (worth 200 000 UK Pounds) and hope he’ll shake off a calf injury and get international clearance to play. If he does, midfielder is set to play alongside on-loan Celtic striker Cillian Sheridan, who could get his first start. Skipper Carl Fletcher and defender Kristian Timar are returning in team after injuries. Argyle have not won in six league outings, drawing four and losing two since beating Coventry 4-0 at Home Park on 11 April.

Last season, Cardiff finished one place below the play-offs and that form shows signs of continuing into the new campaign. In the first round, they wished a welcome to new-comers Scunthorpe United with four goals in the net (4-0). Second round brought a trip to Bloomfield Road and hard game against Blackpool. Michael Chopra scored early for a lead, but hosts equalized twenty minutes later. In the rest of the game both sides had few opportunities on wet pitch to notice a win, but 1-1 remained. However, decent result stayed in the shadow of few injuries. The worst situation is with excellent Ross McCormack who faces six to eight weeks out after injuring his hamstring. Boss Dave Jones even took a time for a joke, saying “we're happy because nobody will want to buy Ross now” (meaning on interest of some Premier League teams). Beside him, at the same game defender Paul Quinn has survived a scare over a knee injury and could be back in action against Bristol City on Sunday, while midfielder Stephen McPhail is ready to play after being taken off as a precaution when he felt his hamstring. Gabor Gyepes has shaken off a knock he got playing for Hungary last week. Some youngsters like Adam Matthews (who came on as sub against Plymouth) will get the chance, but anyway visitors are favorites here.

Pilgrims noticed two points against very strong opponents, but tonight will face surely the strongest from those. Fatigue is a big enemy to their fighting attitude and simply I don’t think they can be lucky three times in a row. On the other hand, in each of the past two seasons, Cardiff have drawn more than half of their away league matches - 12 from 23 and instead clear away win I’m covering a draw with Asian handicap. So, 2 AH(0), (or 2 DNB), 1.82 at Pinnacle.

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Charlton Athletic - Cardiff City

After a 2-2 home draw against Blackpool, Charlton theoretically secured relegation. They had a 2-0 lead, but first Campbell scored for 2-1, then Hughes in last minute took care for a draw on Valley. It's very interesting, Addicks play better after they lost any chance to stay in Championship. Five games without a defeat, with great performance against the strongest league teams (0-0 against Preston and Birmingham at home, 2-2 vs Reading and minimal defeat against Wolves on the road). Some youngsters got an opportunity to play and they use it very well. Striker Tresor Kandol and midfielder Darren Ambrose are in doubt, while centre-half Jonathan Fortune (Achilles), midfielder Jose Semedo (ankle) and striker Andy Gray (pelvis) are still on the sidelines.

Blue birds lost any chance for direct promotion, but first objective is to forget nightmare from Deepdale Stadium. They expected a tough game against Preston, but 0-6 is a total catastrophe. All good results in this season are placed in the shadow of one game. Before Preston, Cardiff was in more than decent shape, with three consecutive wins (Derby, C.Palace and Burnley). With three rounds left, they're very close to play-off. It is not secured, but they can play with much less pressure. Today have a chance to finish the job, will be motivated and will go in attack from the first whistle. The only injured player is key right back Kevin McNaughton, but boss Dave Jones is expected to make changes in starting eleven.

Charlton's teenagers got their five minutes on the big scene, will try to surprise again, but it has to be said, quality is only on one side. Welsh lads will do everything to wash the Preston shame. I expect them in 4-3-3 formation. There will be a space for counter-attacks, but I don't think Charlton can score. So, away win instead over. Expekt offers 1.95, Bwin 1.90, I think it worths. Dare to predict, 0-2 correct score. Away win.